Southampton 0-1 Man City: Three match takeaways

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City shoots but is blocked by Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary’s Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Southampton secured their Premier League status for next season with relative ease on Sunday despite a 1-0 home loss to champions Manchester City.

A sunny spring afternoon met the end of season clash at St Mary’s and with Swansea soon falling behind to Stoke, it turned into a relaxed and celebratory afternoon for everyone present.

Defensive resilience and intelligent spells in possession had seen the Saints go close to getting a deserved point from the match, but Gabriel Jesus struck late to snatch the win for City.

Mark Hughes and the players deserve credit for the way they turned the season around, but they cannot forget the seven months that went before their escape.

A big summer now arrives for the Saints with a permanent managerial appointment, player outgoings and signings all sure to be witnessed before August.

Here are three key thoughts that Southampton fans will be taking away from the last game of 2017/2018: