Manchester City 0-0 Huddersfield: 5 Talking Points

Manchester City were stopped in their tracks by a resilient Huddersfield, who forced an unlikely share of spoils in a drab goalless stalemate at the Etihad.

The Premier League champions were expected to saunter past the bottom-half-of-the-table visitors but were instead pegged back by some robust defending from the Terriers. They played a compact 5-3-2 system and City had a frustrating time in trying to breach the packed rearguard.

For all the huff and puff in search of a winner till the last second, they just couldn't break through. This was one of Manchester City's most underwhelming outings in the league this season. But fortunately, the title is already sewn up. So they wouldn't care two hoots.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 Manchester City were never more stifled this season

Manchester City were rendered ineffective

In 36 games played so far, the Sky Blues were shut out just once - in the goalless stalemate to Crystal Palace in December. Whilst that's a testament to how blistering the attack has been this term, there have been instances where they struggled and only individual moments of quality saw them through. But today, it was at its lowest ebb.

City averaged a staggering 80% possession but stemmed little to no creativity. The likes of De Bruyne and Silva appeared to be running out of steam, while the front three ran into a stonewall. Of all the attempts in finding the net - 18 of them - just two were on target. But both were easily thwarted by Jonas Lossl.

City have been so rampant throughout the season, that they appeared a pale imitation of themselves today. They never appeared more stifled this season in the Premier League.

#2 Huddersfield can take a bow

Huddersfield punched above their weights

Huddersfield looked all set to be handed a battering at the hands of the newly crowned champions in their own backyard. And given the travails on the road - just 3 away wins all season - the odds were completely stacked against them.

However, Huddersfield tore the script apart, played to their strengths, frustrated the champions, and caused an unlikely upset.

David Wagner knew winning at the Etihad is next to impossible. So he set his side up to pick a point by playing a highly defensive 5-3-2. The Terriers sat back at will, invited pressure and were robust enough to soak it all up. They crowded the area every time City scampered ahead and refused even a philia of space to have a go at the goal.

Offensively, they rarely threatened. But the counterattacks they broke into, saw them muster 3 shots at goal - one more than City!

Huddersfield punched above their weight today.

#3 Jonathan Hogg packs a punch

Hogg put in a match of the match display

I would reiterate this again - Huddersfield produced a defending masterclass. And one of the primary reason behind such resolute defence is Jonathan Hogg.

Operating from the base of the three-man midfield, Hogg acted as an extra sheet of cover to the backline. He chased down players, he blocked shots, he intercepted balls; actively getting involved in the defensive aspect of their game. In fact, his 17 defensive actions (4 tackles, 9 interceptions and 4 clearances) isn't bettered by any player on the field.

For City to score, they had to go through the England international, which they clearly couldn't. Hogg strained every sinew in keeping the mighty hosts from scoring, and he more than just succeeded.

The only patch on an otherwise pristine evening was the man of the match award landing on Aaron Mooy's hands than his.

#4 Show of class from Manchester City fans

Two Manchester City fans held up banner paying tribute to their former rival manager

It was the day when Manchester City were going to be coronated as the new Premier League champions by hoisting the coveted trophy. And even if the mood was dampened a bit due to the drab stalemate, the fans were quick to put the game on the back burner at the fulltime whistle and invaded the pitch, breaking into exuberant celebrations.

But amid all the joy and jubilations, some of the fans spared a moment to express their support to Sir Alex Ferguson, who recently underwent a head surgery on account of brain haemorrhage. The 76-year-old legend is still reeling in the treatment room while the footballing world wished him a speedy recovery.

But this act of compassion and commiseration from City fans, who were handed some nightmarish moments by his Manchester United side, and also during such a celebratory occasion for them, deserves a mention, and of course, respect.

#5 Huddersfield come closer to confirming Premier League status

Still battling to stay up in the Premier League, Huddersfield would be more than elated to have picked up a point today. In a match where they were rather touted to be run over by the swashbuckling City, the Terriers instead came away with a vital point that bolsters their survival chances.

With Stoke City already relegated, the remaining two drop zones are very much open. Huddersfield, Southampton, Swansea City and West Brom are battling it out to save their beacon and the scales can swing in anyone's way. So in such straitened circumstances, a point here at the Etihad is unprecedented. One can forgive Huddersfield for feeling like victors today.

The remaining two fixtures for the season are just as unforgiving for Huddersfield, as they play Chelsea and Arsenal. The Terriers enjoy a 3-point lead over both Southampton and Swansea who are set to face off against each other in a couple of days. Southampton play Manchester City in their final fixture while Swansea play Stoke.

While Huddersfield have not confirmed their stay for next season yet, David Wagner's side can be hopeful of another year of football in England's top flight.

Edited by Raunak J