West Bromwich Albion’s Jerome Thomas and Manchester City’s David Silva (right) battle for the ball
Manchester City failed to pick up maximum points when they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Monday night.
Roberto Mancini’s side created most of the scoring chances throughout the match but was unable to get that all-important goal to secure the win.
The home side were the first to threaten in the 3rd minute when Chris Brunt completed a nice turn and unleashed a fierce shot, but his attempt went just wide of the far post.
Ten minutes later it was the visitors who came close to opening the scoring when Sami Nasri tested Ben Foster with a low shot, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task as he made the save at the near post.
Roy Hodgson’s men came close yet again in the 17th minute with Paul Scharner trying to sneak a low shot next to the post, but Joe Hart reacted quickly to push the ball wide of the post.
The Citizens held most of the possession in the first half and they should’ve got the opener seven minutes later when Sergio Aguero cut the ball across for David Silva, who was running into the box, but somehow the Spaniard sent his shot over the bar from 12 yards out.
They did get the ball into the back of the net 10 minutes later when Mario Balotelli volleyed a deflected Aguero shot past Foster, but the goal was ruled out for offside keeping the sides deadlocked at half-time.
It was Balotelli again who took Ben foster by surprise from long range in the 54th minute, but his shot crashed against the crossbar.
Shane Long should’ve put the home side ahead two minutes later when he connected with a Jerome Thomas corner at the far post, but although he was able to bring his header down, he sent his attempt just wide of the post.
The Baggies came close again in the 73rd minute when Thomas unleashed a low shot from 30 yards out, but his effort cannoned against the foot of the post with Joe Hart well-beaten.
City threw everything at West Brom in the closing stages of the game but found it hard to penetrate with the home side keeping most men behind the ball.