Southampton and Manchester City have played out a goalless first half in their top-of-the-table Premier League clash at St Mary's this afternoon.

A win for the visitors would see them leapfrog the Saints into second in the table, but the first period has seen few chances for either side.

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City had a penalty appeal waved away after nine minutes after Sergio Aguero appeared to have been fouled inside the box by Jose Fonte, but referee Mike Jones booked the Argentina international for simulation.

Shortly after the booking, Yaya Toure's curling effort from 25 yards was comfortably held by goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

Manuel Pellegrini's side survived a scare on 20 minutes when Joe Hart denied Steve Davis with a low save, before Dusan Tadic was thwarted by Eliaquim Mangala.

Stevan Jovetic came closest to breaking the deadlock when his low effort was cleared off the line by Toby Alderweireld on the half-hour mark.