Southampton eclipse Derby's point total, avoid sharing unwanted record

The Derby County class of 2007-08 remains the worst team in Premier League history.

Southampton are now on 12 points - one above Derby's unwanted record - following Saturday's battling 0-0 draw against last season's champions Manchester City. The bottom-placed Saints have two more matches to add to their tally.

Pep Guardiola called Jeremy Doku, Nico O'Reilly, Savinho, and Omar Marmoush off the bench in the second half as City searched for a breakthrough. However, Aaron Ramsdale's inspired goalkeeping and some heroic last-ditch defending ensured Southampton kept a clean sheet. The hosts were also saved by the woodwork when Marmoush smacked the crossbar in the 91st minute.

Manchester City, who are embroiled in the battle to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish, attempted 26 shots to Southampton's two. Erling Haaland played the full 90 minutes after a six-week injury layoff but could only muster a single attempt on goal.

Aside from Ramsdale's athleticism between the sticks, Jan Bednarek summed up Southampton's defense-first approach on the south coast as he smashed 13 clearances away from danger.

Rams vs. Saints

* Two matches remaining

Southampton have a clear statistical superiority over Derby's infamous flops, but they set a record for the earliest relegation in Premier League history April 6 when their descent was confirmed with seven matches left to play.

Southampton conclude their sorry campaign with a trip to Everton and a visit from Arsenal.