Manchester City surrendered their lead at the top of the Premier League as they failed to score for the first time this season after being held to a goalless draw by West Brom.
Roberto Mancini’s millionaires failed to break down a resolute Baggies side at the Hawthorns and now only sit above rivals United at the top of the table on goal difference. Despite dominating possession for large majority of the game City just couldn’t find a way past the home side’s defence as Albion kept up their impressive recent form. Roy Hodgson had already masterminded away wins at Blackburn and Newcastle and his players made it seven points from the last nine to consolidate their position in the top half of the table going into 2012. The last 12 months have been a fairytale for the Citizens with Mancini guiding them to an FA Cup win in May whilst they are leading England’s top division at christmas for the first time since 1929.
It was no surprise that they swaggered into the Midlands expecting to travel home with another three points under their belts although they didn’t get exactly what they wished for. The Baggies consigned City to shooting from distance for much of the first half with Mario Balotelli and Samir Nasri both trying their luck but failing to beat Ben Foster. Even the usually impeccable David Silva was having an off day in front of goal side footing over the cross bar from 15-yards after being picked out by Sergio Aguero. The Argentinian was then guilty of spurning a golden chance allowing Gareth McAuley to make a last ditch challenge after breaking the offside trap with James Milner then heading wide from close range. The hosts seemed happy to sit back and soak up the pressure rarely venturing forward although when they did Christ Brunt flashing an effort past the post before Paul Scharner decided to try his luck from 30-yards forcing Joe Hart into a save.
More openings appeared in the second half as City became frustrated with Albions commitment levels continuing to rise after the break with Shane Long almost breaking the deadlock but couldn’t manage to direct his header from Jermaine Thomas’ cross towards goal. Brunt then fired a free kick wide of Hart’s goal before Thomas drove a 25-yard strike off the foot of the post as the pendulum swung in favour of the home side. The visitors weren’t out of it yet and continued to push for a winner but it wasn’t forthcoming and Mancini’s men will now head into the New Year with United breathing heavily down their necks
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