Frank Lampard marked his final Premier League appearance in typical fashion as the former Chelsea ace scored in Manchester City's 2-0 defeat of Southampton, whose bid for European football is now reliant on others.
Lampard joined City in August, despite having previously agreed a move to sister club New York City to seemingly bring his Premier League days to a halt, but the 36-year-old has continued to be an asset and he brought his era to a fitting close by netting on Sunday.
Yaya Toure and James Milner, both of whom have been strongly linked with summer moves, also lined up for potentially their final games for City, though ultimately it was Lampard – wearing the captain's armband – who made the biggest difference.
Southampton improved after the break, but Manuel Pellegrini's men held firm to give Lampard a happy send-off, while the visitors' bid for a Europa League place now rests on Arsenal beating Aston Villa in the FA Cup final.
The chances eventually began to flow, and in the 24th minute, Kelvin Davis was forced to spare his own blushes, denying Aguero from point-blank range after initially dropping a tame effort at the Argentina striker's feet.
But the breakthrough finally arrived in the 31st minute, Lampard marking an emotional day in fitting style, meeting Milner's low cross with an emphatic first-time effort after a trademark late run into the area.
Southampton finally tested Joe Hart with a legitimate shot on goal, but Shane Long's feeble first-time effort from 25 yards rolled along the ground and gave the England international an easy task.
