City Watch: Blues stumble in race for top 5

Out of Manchester City’s remaining four games in the Premier League, already relegated, Southampton was the one I had nailed on to be a win. 

So much so that I was supposed to be going down to the south coast for the game on Saturday, but I gave it a miss as I’m off to Wembley this weekend, then Fulham away the weekend after. 

I thought three trips to the south on the spin was a bit too much, and looking back on that game, I’m so glad I didn’t go down. 

Not because we drew, I don’t go to the games to watch us win, I go to support the team, but just because the game was horrendously bad.

I’ve used the word passive in this column a lot this season, it’s something that I think has described some of our performances perfectly this season, and honestly, the draw on the weekend epitomised our season.

Passive is, again, how I’d describe City on Saturday. 

I have to give credit to Southampton, they defended absolutely brilliantly, you really wouldn’t think based on that performance that they’re currently bottom of the league, and that one point ensures they’re not the joint worst Premier League team of all time with 11 points, joining Derby.

Ruben Dias bemoaned the Saints for their lack of playing in his post match interview, and I was annoyed to hear him have so much criticism based on the City performance. 

Pep’s players in the past have gone into post match interviews and never really used any bad decisions or opposition tactics as excuses to why we’ve lost or drawn. 

You can see just based on that interview that this lacklustre season really has rubbed off on the players.

Anyway, rant over, speaking of lacklustre, City play in the FA Cup final on Saturday… oh wait, that’s not lacklustre at all, we’re off to Wembley!

I’ve said it enough times already, but yet another trip to the capital for a third successive cup final is absolutely massive. 

Surprisingly, I’ve got quite a bit of confidence for Saturday. 

If Palace play like they did in the semi-final against Aston Villa, I’m sure that confidence will get wiped out pretty quickly.

I don’t want to do too much build up to the game, I’ve got a bit of a reputation of putting my foot in my mouth when it comes to predictions, so all I’ll say is, whatever will be will be, we’re going to Wembley.

I’ll either be bemoaning the result next week or absolutely delighted, let’s see, but following the climax of the domestic cup, the Blues play Bournemouth on Tuesday night, in what will be Kevin De Bruyne’s final ever game at the Etihad stadium. 

All I’m saying is, what a send off it would be if he was holding that trophy, an incredible way to finish incoming maybe? Please don’t overthink it Pep…