Manchester City failed to find a way through against Burnley in a goalless first half of few chances at Turf Moor.
Neither goalkeeper had a save to make in the opening half an hour and Tom Heaton was only minimally worked thereafter as the Clarets more than held their own.
Sam Vokes is starting a Premier League game for the first time following a long-term knee ligament injury and headed well wide after rising high to meet a Kieran Trippier cross.
City's clearest opening came when Fernandinho squeezed a pass through for Edin Dzeko and his shot from a tight angle was blocked by Heaton, who also saved Sergio Aguero's tame follow-up effort from the edge of the box.
Scott Arfield called Joe Hart into action with a low shot from 25 yards shortly before Aguero sliced wide from a good position as a lively five-minute period threatened to spark the otherwise passive champions into life.
Victory for Manuel Pellegrini's side would take them to within two points of leaders Chelsea at the top of the table.
Joe Fish
