In the second half, Guardiola replaced McAtee with Doku and moved Foden to the right flank. This substitution had an immediate effect: In the 53rd minute, Foden completed a high-quality cut shot on the reverse side of his foot, and Doku blasted the left side to create three threatening crosses. The explosive power of the Belgian winger forced Southampton's defense to tilt, creating valuable space in the middle.

However, the adjustment was still rather conservative. When Southampton brought on fresh players in the 65th minute to intensify their pressing, Manchester City's attack once again came to a standstill. Guardiola didn't bring on Malmush until the 80th minute. The Algerian striker showed his prowess as soon as he came on: in the 82nd minute, he made a precise pass from the flank, nearly assisting Haaland to score. In the injury time, he broke through on a solo run during a counterattack, creating a golden opportunity for a last-minute winner.

Although it ended in a draw in the end, this tactical experiment still has strategic value. Haaland regained his rhythm through seven confrontations throughout the game, and the substitute combination of Doku and Malmush verified the possibility of the connection between the new and old systems. But the cost is equally heavy: Failing to secure all three points has added more uncertainties to the race for a Champions League spot.

Guardiola's hesitation was clearly revealed at the timing of the substitutions - the adjustment rhythm of making a single substitution in the 45th minute, a double substitution in the 70th minute, and a crucial substitution in the 80th minute missed the opportunity in the away atmosphere. It is worth noting that when Manchester City returned to the attacking style they adopted during their five-game winning streak towards the end of the game, they immediately regained their offensive sharpness. This might offer an important insight for the FA Cup final: Haaland and the mobile system are not incompatible, but more precise tactical integration is needed.