Villa holds Man City 0-0 to end 7-game losing run

However, they will welcome their first point since August against a free-scoring City side who were held to their second successive 0-0 draw away from home in the Premier League.

While they fell to a 3-1 defeat on that occasion, they produced a much more organised and determined performance against the league leaders this weekend, with the hosts keeping a much sought-after clean sheet.

City have 26 points from 12 matches and will be knocked off top spot if Arsenal (25) beat Tottenham Hotspur later in the north London derby at their Emirates Stadium.

City had to operate without a recognised frontman for more than an hour, although Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne and Fernando all wasted gilt-edged chances to secure victory in the closing stages at Villa Park.

There was a renewed sense of confidence despite Villa’s run of losses, the first six of which led to Tim Sherwood’s firing.

City with a late corner but just as they have been all afternoon Villa comfortable with the set piece and clear. Brad Guzan remains in goal.

City’s plans were damaged midway through the half when Wilfried Bony was forced off with a hamstring injury.

Gardé last managed Lyon until the end of the 2013-2014 season, but in his first full match as manager for Villa, has a mountain of work on his hands. Yaya Toure sent the England worldwide through on goal and he was clipped by a challenge from Clark as he attempted to cut back on to his right foot, but nothing was given.

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The visitors were running out of ideas and threw on Fabian Delph against his former club, with the former Villa midfielder mercilessly jeered after his summer switch. City haven’t lost since late September and are yet to drop points to a bottom half side this season.

This was Guzan’s first of the season in an Aston Villa uniform during EPL play.

“They are at the bottom of the table with a new manager so the motivation to try not to be relegated will be high”. Guzan was brilliant a minute later to anticipate a Sterling header to a Jesus Navas cross that created a point-blank chance. As a football player I had the chance to play for Arsenal for three years.

City will once again be without the services of David Silva and Sergio Aguero.

Manuel Pellegrini will be wondering why it took 45 minutes for his side to find top gear, although they were frustrated at every turn.

They always end up passing it wide and crossing it in to nobody.