Join Daily Echo Saints reporter Benjy Nurick as he assesses Saints' survival chances after Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Saints flashed promise in the opening half at St Mary's but ultimately, Pep Guardiola's expensively assembled champions proved an overwhelming force.

Erling Haaland got the visitors in front just before the break before Jack Grealish doubled the advantage. Haaland's 30th league goal of the season then made it 3-0 before Sekou Mara notched his maiden Premier League strike to set up an interesting conclusion.

READ MORE: 'Works for Guardiola' - Selles has say on De Bruyne's Saints striker claim

But that intrigue lasted a matter of moments before Julian Alvarez restored City's considerable lead from the penalty spot.

The result - far from a major shock - leaves Sains bottom of the Premier League table and four points adrift of safety with eight games left to play. 

Next up, Saints host Crystal Palace in a potentially season-defining match. With fixtures remaining against Arsenal, Newcastle, Brighton, and Liverpool, Saints desperately need points immediately.

So is there reason for hope? Or even maybe optimism? Or is relegation now nailed-on? All that and more is discussed in the video below.