Aston Villa have avoided defeat for the first time in eight matches in the Premier League, sharing a goalless draw with Manchester City at Villa Park.
In their first match under new manager Remi Garde, the home side made a bright start, with Idrissa Gueye making the most of a strong spell of possession to launch a 20-yard strike towards the City goal, but the finish was just wide.
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The league leaders soon started to see more of the ball, but Brad Guzan was on hand to deny Aleksandar Kolarov, while Fernando missed the target moments later.
Manuel Pellegrini's side continued to look the more likely as the first half progressed, with Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling both using their pace to get forward, but the Villa defence limited their chances, with Micah Richards and Ciaran Clark making a series of clearances.
There was a blow to City's striking options before half time though as Wilfried Bony was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury, but Jesus Navas almost made an immediate impact after replacing the Ivorian, before seeing his cross cleared.
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The visitors were on the attack again early in the second half as Kolarov curled the ball in from a free kick, but Guzan parried the ball clear, before making a diving save moments later as Sterling tried to head in from a Navas delivery.
City continued to dominate possession, but the Villa back four did enough to keep them out as the hour mark approached, as Jordan Amavi and Scott Sinclair got back to scramble the ball away.
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The visitors got forward again with 25 minutes remaining as Navas slipped the ball though to De Bruyne, but the Belgian scuffed his shot wide at the near post.
There were further efforts from Pellegrini's men as the final 10 minutes approached, but Sterling and Kolarov both failed to test Guzan, before Villa started to see more of the ball.
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Leandro Bacuna looked to play the ball in for Jordan Ayew, but Joe Hart rushed off his line to beat the winger to the ball.
Ayew was replaced by Rudy Gestede moments later as Villa sensed a chance to push for a late winner, but it was City who continued to threaten with Sterling and De Bruyne linking up again.
The home side forced a controversial corner inside the final five minutes as Hart spilled a throw back from Gestede behind, resulting in the two sides clashing, but Villa could not make the most of it, with Gestede heading over.
The home supporters were given a late scare as City forced a corner in stoppage time, but the crossbar denied Vincent Kompany with the header, before Fabian Delph drilled the ball just wide of the right post on the rebound.
City continued to pile forward in the final moments, desperately seeking a late winner, but Guzan managed to grab a high ball into the box, ensuring that the home side claimed the point.
The result keeps City at the top of the table, although second-placed Arsenal have a game in hand, while Villa remain bottom, five points from safety.
Sian Cowper
