HUDDERSFIELD HICCUP FOR CHAMPIONS CITY
MANCHESTER: Manchester City were kept scoreless for the first time this season in a 0-0 draw with relegation-threatened Huddersfield, slightly puncturing the party atmosphere on a day their players lift the Premier League trophy.
The result meant City must wait to break a slew of Premier League records, with the champions still needing two points, one win and two goals to set milestones in a season when Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to the title.
The draw was more important to Huddersfield, which moved three points clear of the relegation zone with two games to play – against Chelsea and Arsenal.
City last failed to score a goal in a league game at Etihad Stadium in April last year, in a 0-0 draw against Manchester United. City were held to a goalless draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup this season, before winning a penalty shootout.
City’s players came out to a guard of honour made up of the Huddersfield team as well as players from City’s title-winning team from 1968.
On a sunny day, there was a party feel inside and outside the Etihad and City produced one of their sloppiest displays of the season, with their final ball lacking and striker Gabriel Jesus barely getting a chance at goal.
In fact, Huddersfield had the better chances – through Chris Lowe and Florent Hadergjonaj in the first half – before defending deeply and obdurately after halftime. — AP