Ward-Prowse finds some space in the final third down the right channel and then bends a lovely cross to the back post, but is slightly high for Long, whose slid attempt at goal goes high and wide over the bar!
90'
Three minutes of added time here at the Etihad and that goal from Aguero looks to have sewn up all three points for City, who had already established themselves in second place in the league.
88'
S. Agüero has scored a goal for Manchester City! Assist by E. Mangala.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! THAT HAS SEALED IT! A bouncing cross into the Saints box eventually finds its way to Mangala at the back post, who selflessly heads back into the danger area for Aguero, who taps home from close range! He got his goal after all! Two-nil!
85'
A corner kick is swung to the back post and Aguero takes down with a fantastic first touch before shifting on to his left foot and smashing a strike at goal, but Clyne, who was positioned on the post at the set-piece, vigilantly clears.
83'
The game has been a bit scrappy since that array of substitutions as they players coming on find the tempo of the play. No need for anyone to exert themselves too much, particularly the City players, have have the lead in the bag and don't have anything to play for. They'll still want to sign off win a win though, naturally.
81'
Just under 10 minutes remaining of this Premier League season and Southampton are running out of time to claim an unlikely Europa League spot. As it stands the Saints are two points behind Liverpool and four behind Tottenham, who leave Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park.
79'
V. Kompany enters the game and replaces J. Milner.
Third and final change from Pellegrini now and it sees Milner, who picked up a dead leg in that challenge with Long a few moments ago, replaced by club captain, Vincent Kompany. The former Aston Villa winger has expressed his desire to see more first team football, and with his contract up in the summer, it looks like he will also depart.
77'
Jesús Navas enters the game and replaces F. Lampard.
And now wee see a Premier League legend depart. Frank Lampard is coming off to a rapturous applause from the Manchester City crowd as he goes away to begin a new adventure in Major League Soccer with New York City FC. Typically, the Englishman has signed off with a predatory goal, and he'll be replaced by Jesus Navas. Cheerio, Frank.
76'
E. Elia enters the game and replaces S. Davis.
75'
Southampton make their second change of the match and it is a positive one as Dutch winger Eljero Elia, enters the action to replace Steven Davis. The Saints now have bags of pace in those positions behind Pelle, so lets see if they can take advantage.
Minute
Description
73'
A small break in play at the moment as Milner is currently down clutching his thigh after a late challenge by Long. It was a similar situation in the first half which earned the Southampton attacker a yellow card, so he is arguably lucky not to come on the wrong end of the referee's wrath again. Not the day for awarding cheap red cards, to be fair.
71'
MANE SHOULD BE DOING MUCH BETTER! Demichelis does well to clear the ball whilst under massive pressure from Long, but Bertrand collects around 30 yards out. The left-back slips a perfect cross to the back post but the Senegalese's bouncing header into the ground goes weakly into the arms of Hart!
69'
Milner receives possession to the right-hand side and fizzes a pass into the feet of Silva, who attempts to cushion a penetrating through pass to Aguero, but Alderweireld is positioned well on the edge of the box to make the interception.
67'
First substitution from Pellegrini and it sees Toure leave the pitch on what could potentially be his last ever appearance for Manchester City. The Ivorian has been tipped to leave in the summer with Inter Milan a possible destination, and he will be replaced by Wilfried Bony, who netted a lovely goal against his former club, Swansea, last week.
66'
W. Bony enters the game and replaces Y. Touré.
65'
I believe that is the first time I've mentioned Bertrand today and the Southamption man, along with his fellow full-back Clyne, have been ineffectual today compared to their usually high standards. The duo usually show plenty of attacking ambition, but they have been pinned back into their positions by Milner and Silva so far.
63'
Mane drifts inside from the left wing and receives the ball to feet before looking to pick out Bertrand with a pass into the channel inside the box. The former Chelsea defender's overlapping run is decent but Hart comes quickly off his line to pounce on possession to the right of his goal.
61'
An odd situation inside the Man City half at the moment as Long realises he is offside and so decides not to touch the ball. The play seems to stop so the Irishman goes ahead anyway to strike at goal, and only then does the linesman put his flag up. There must have been a five-second period when everyone stopped inside the box! A daft rule at times, that.
59'
J. Ward-Prowse enters the game and replaces F. Đuričić.
Long drives ahead down the right wing with pace and then intelligently cuts inside beyond Fernandinho before finding Pelle with a lovely pass in behind the Man City defence, but the Italy international just went a fraction too early which prompts the linesman to raise his flag for offside.
57'
First change of the match from Southampton and it sees Djuricic, who has showed some decent touches without being particularly effective, replaced by James Ward-Prowse, who certainly has it in his locker to hurt Man City, particularly from his set-piece delivery.
55'
Aguero picks up the ball 20 yards from goal in a central position and lays off into the path of Zabaleta on the overlap, but the right-back is dispossessed by the retreating Mane, who looks to catalyse a Saints counterattack by running into the space down the touchline.
53'
Toure presses the Southampton midfield and wins the ball in a useful area before stretching his long legs going forward, but the referee brings play back as the Ivorian international was judged to have used his hand to claim possession. Free kick to Southampton.
51'
The news that Liverpool are currently 5-0 down against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium will have reached Southampton at half-time, so if the Saints can somehow turn around this one-goal deficit then then will gain entry into the Europa League. A big ask, of course, but this clash isn't over.
49'
Kolarov gets himself into a sticky situation as he is facing his own goal near the corner flag deep in the Manchester City half. Long typically heaps plenty of pressure of the Serbian, who eventually does well to clear up the wing. It has been an entertaining duel between those two so far.
47'
Milner fires a pass into the path of Aguero who takes the ball in confidently before bursting into the box. The former Atletico Madrid striker spots the runs of Lampard and Silva in behind and cleverly flicks the ball into space, but the latter duo get in each other's way which allows the Southampton defence to clear.
46'
We are back under way in Manchester!
45'
Only 60 seconds of added time allocated by the referee as we have seen a pretty free-flowing opening 45 minutes here. Time to recharge the batteries, particularly for Southampton who have worked very hard defensively.
43'
Long receives possession slightly deeper and then cuts inside before sling a pass into the feet of Djuricic. The Irishman continues his run into the box and receives the lovely returned pass from his team-mate before looking to get a shot away, but Mangala sticks out a leg to block! Pelle has a crack from the rebound but it is skewed wide of the left-hand post.
41'
There are definitely more goals in this game today, folks. Aguero is getting plenty of chances in and around the area and even though a first goal has evaded him, you get the feeling that a player of his quality will convert sooner rather than later if he keeps popping up in these areas. As I mentioned before, Mane and Long proving to be a threat for the Saints, too.
39'
A really decent atmosphere in the Etihad stadium at the moment as the home crowd cheer in expectancy whenever their team make their way into the danger area. The Southampton travelling fans, meanwhile, are doing their up most to catalyse a response from their trailing side.
37'
SAVE FROM KELVIN DAVIS AGAIN! Toure barges his way into the final third and eventually makes his way into the box before Fonte intercepts, only to lose his footing! Aguero pounces and squeezes out a shot towards goal, but Alderweireld sticks out a leg to deflect the attempt to the hands of his goalkeeper, who doesn't take any chances and palms behind for a corner.
35'
Man City are looking confident with their passing at the moment but Southampton are by no means sitting back and soaking up plenty of pressure. Through Mane and Long, the visitors are proving to be quite the threat on the counterattack, but Hart not tested too much as of yet.
33'
This has not been Aguero's day so far! The City attacker weaves his way through on goal and finds himself one-on-one with Kelvin Davis, who runs off his line to smother the powerful right-footed strike from the Argentine! The 38-year-old goalkeeper is winning the duel with the league's best striker at the moment!
31'
F. Lampard has scored a goal for Manchester City! Assist by J. Milner.
GOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! Silva fires an incisive pass deep down the right channel for Milner who perfectly picks out Lampard with a low cross. The Citizens' captain for the day makes no mistake and finds the top of the net with a controlled left-footed strike! One-nil!
30'
Both sides have looked bright in the final third but the final pass or strike on goal has just evaded the attacking players so far. Plenty of creative players out there, so on paper a goal shouldn't be too far away. Aguero looking the most likely candidate.
28'
Kolarov stretches his legs down that left touchline again but is followed all the way by the retreating Long, who eventually slides in to block the cross, which sees Man City awarded a corner kick. Excellent work-rate from the Irishman, but he'll need to be slightly careful when sliding in as he was booked a few minutes ago for a late challenge on Milner.
26'
Mane receives the ball on the left wing and takes possession for a run into space which timely takes the pressure off his defence. In the end the Senegalese winger earns a free kick out of Fernandinho, which is cleverly done as he didn't have too much support in that advanced area.
25'
S. Long gets yellow.
24'
DOUBLE SAVE FROM KELVIN DAVIS! Toure goes on a typically marauding run down the left channel and cuts inside before lashing a strike at goal, which is bundled away by the Southampton keeper! The 38-year-old then pops up quickly to deny Aguero's rebound! Man City go close to taking the lead!
22'
AGUEROOOO! A really good chance passed up for City! Silva spots the run of the Argentine and then slides a perfect pass in behind the Southampton defence. The former Atletico Madrid striker drives forward and ignores the unmarked Milner to lash a shot at goal, but it goes high and wide north of the bar!
20'
Just as I say that Hart is indeed tested! Long pops up down the left flank and then leaves Zabaleta for dead with a neat bit of skill before bursting into the box! The Irishman just attempts to open up his body to curl a strike into the far corner, but the Man City keeper comes off his line to narrow the angle and eventually makes a solid stop!
18'
Plenty of neat passing on show from both sides currently but up until this point Kelvin Davis and Hart in their respective goals have been relatively comfortable. Not a lot of out-and-out goalscoring chances featuring prominently.
16'
Mangala and Pelle get involved in a foot race down the right flank and the Frenchman comes out on top before laying the ball back to Hart, but the Englishman's clearance is miscued and ends up flying out for a throw-in. Southampton just turning up the pressure a little bit at the moment.
14'
Steven Davis clips a cross into the box near the penalty spot and Pelle just gets in front of Demichelis to get the header away, but the Argentine does enough to ensure the route to goal is blocked. Mane attempts to pick up the pieces but Hart proactively comes off his line to claim.
12'
Silva receives the ball to feet with his back to goal and quickly turns before threading a lovely pass down the left wing for Kolarov. The left-back dashes forward and typically hits the byline before smashing a cross into the danger area, but Fonte is positioned well to clear the danger.
10'
The Saints are awarded a free kick down the right-hand side. Steven Davis stands over the set-piece and subsequently swings a teasing cross into the centre of the box, which Fonte manages to get something on. There wasn't a lot of power or direction on the header though which allows Zabaleta to clear at the back post.
8'
Man City have started the match with plenty of possession in those central areas and Southampton haven't really found their feet yet, despite a relatively promising opening couple of minutes. Pelle at centre forward has been pretty well marshalled by Demichelis and Mangala so far.
6'
Aguero turns sharply 25 yards out and skips past a couple of challenges before exchanging a one-two with Lampard. The Argentine ventures further forward and then slides Milner down the right channel, but the former Aston Villa man finds himself outnumbered and is forced back before laying inside to Toure.
4'
Aguero collects possession meaningfully for the first time in the match as he comes deep into the middle of the Southampton half. The striker, who has netted 25 times in the league this season, takes the ball in with an assured touch before clipping a lovely pass out wide to Silva. That will not be the last time that duo link up positively this afternoon.
2'
M. Demichelis gets yellow.
We've got an early booking here as Demichelis rather stupidly scythes down Djuricic near the corner flag deep inside the Manchester City half. The Southampton winger wasn't really going anywhere, so the Argentine receives a yellow early on rather needlessly. Free kick to the visitors.
1'
We are under way at the Etihad! Only 90 minutes of the Barclays Premier League season remain!
Good afternoon folks! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Barclays Premier League clash between Manchester City and Southampton from the Etihad Stadium!
We are benefiting from this match today in that it is one of the only games in the last round of fixtures which includes something to play for. Southampton are currently placed sixth in the division and are hoping to claim a win today and also hope that Tottenham and Liverpool drop points against Everton and Stoke respectively in order to move into a Europa League qualifying place. A few factors must fall into place for the Dutchman's side to earn a European place, but it would be a fitting end to what has been an outstanding season for them.
Man City will no doubt look to Sergio Aguero for inspiration again today as they attempt to end the Saints' European hopes. The Argentine has been the outstanding striker in the Barclays Premier League this year and has netted 25 goals- five more than Harry Kane in second, which puts him in pole position to land the top goalscorer gong.
Today the entire country is set to wave goodbye to two of the Premier League's most influential players in Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. The former will play his last match for Liverpool against Stoke at the Britannia and the latter will feature in this clash today. The former Chelsea star is currently on loan from New York City FC and will return to the States at the close of the season to begin his new career in Major League Soccer. You can't deny the positive impact those two have had on their respective clubs over the years!
TEAM NEWS...
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Hart; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Lampard; Milner, Toure, Silva; Aguero.
Southampton (4-2-3-1): K. Davis; Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, S. Davis; Djuricic, Mane, Long; Pelle.
Man City subs: Cabellero, Sagna, Kompany, Navas, Jovetic, Dzeko, Bony.
After a long and arduous season, the final fixture of the campaign is upon us and Man City and Southampton are set to look back over the past 38 matches with highly differing outlooks. Manuel Pellegrini's men have sewn up second place in the league but have ultimately disappointed this term, with Chelsea given a relatively easy ride to claim their first title in five years. Conversely, Ronald Koeman, in his debut season in the league no less, has taken the Saints from potential relegation candidates to one of the most entertaining teams in the top flight.
Despite coming second in the league, a lack of true challenge to Chelsea coupled with a once again below par Champions League campaign has seen Pellegrini come under increased pressure as Man City boss. There has been speculation that the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola have been tipped to take over from the Chilean, but he remains in charge for the moment and will look to end the campaign with a victory before heading into a vital summer transfer window.
Pellegrini names the same starting XI that won 3-2 against Swansea last week. Although, in a fitting end to his Premier League career, Lampard has been named captain in a nice touch from the Chilean boss. Two alterations from Koeman as Gazzaniga is replaced by Kelvin Davis, who makes his 300th appearance for the Saints, and Djuricic replaces Ward-Prowse.
The teams have made their way to the pitch and we are almost ready for kick off!
Half time at the Etihad. Manchester City enter the break with a narrow 1-0 lead over Southampton thanks to a typically composed finished by Lampard, who makes his final appearance in the league this afternoon. Southampton have displayed a threat through Mane and Long in particular, but Hart has remained fairly solid in between the sticks. Kelvin Davis in the opposite goal has been a busy man in his 300th appearance for the Saints, and has frustrated a relatively out-of-sorts Aguero up until now. An entertaining second period in store!
I'm Martin Macdonald, and I'll be taking you through the action!
Full time at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City bring the Barclays Premier League season to a close with a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory over Southampton, who have acquitted themselves well without really threatening Joe Hart in between the sticks. Frank Lampard, in his last ever league appearance, opened the scoring in the second half, and the top flight's top goalscorer, Sergio Aguero, netted the second late on to seal the win. A massive summer for both the clubs as they look to kick off next year! I'm Martin Macdonald, thanks for joining us, see you next time!
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