Premier League: Stoke 1 Manchester City 1

Manchester City’s title hopes were dealt a late blow at the Britannia Stadium as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City.

Roberto Mancini could not have enjoyed his return to the Potteries, where his Manchester City managerial tenure began, as his side were stifled by Tony Pulis’ men.Stoke started the game brightly, with their first chance coming after 14 minutes when Matthew Etherington latched on to a Ricardo Fuller flick.

But City goalkeeper Joe Hart denied the winger, parrying his first effort and then rising to deny a second in a fine double-save.

Galvanized by Etherington’s early opportunity, the home side grew in confidence and should have taken the lead in the 21st minute when Hart failed to collect a trademark Rory Delap throw.

The ball fell to Robert Huth, but the Stoke defender lacked composure and sent his effort high over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.

After the restart, Manchester City came close to breaking the deadlock when, in the 53rd minute, Mario Balotelli – on his return from his three-match-ban – found a yard of space. He unleashed a shot from 20 yards out, which flew just wide of Stoke shot-stopper Asmir Begovic’s post

Ryan Shawcross nearly put the home side in front in the 57th minute. Hart failed to clear a Sanli Tuncay corner and the ball fell to Etherington, whose shot ricocheted off Shawcross’ head and dropped just over the top of the bar.

Micah Richards drove the visitors into the lead in the 81st minute with a fine goal. The defender went past Danny Collins with a superb turn before firing low past Begovic from 12 yards.

But a slip in concentration led to Stoke clawing themselves level in stoppage time through Etherington, who was left with a simple finish from eight yards following Tuncay’s inch-perfect back-heel.