Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has conceded that West Bromwich Albion made it hard for his side at the Hawthorns this afternoon.
Visiting City created the better of the goalscoring chances, but were unable to find a way past Ben Foster in the Baggies goal.
As a result the match ended 0-0 and City's lead at the top of the Premier League table has been cut down to goal difference by Manchester United.
"Today was difficult. We knew this before the game. When you a play a team with all players behind the ball at home, if you don't score in the first half it's not easy, you don't have any space," the Italian told BBC Radio Five Live.
"When we have a chance we should score but maybe we were too slow in the first half.
"It is impossible to score three or four goals for 38 games. There will be some moments in the year when you won't score. We did everything today and wanted to win, but couldn't."
Mancini's side travel to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon for their next league fixture.