Premier League: West Brom 0 Manchester City 0

Manchester City failed to score in a league game for the first time this season as West Brom grabbed a point.

But City retain top spot on goal difference despite Manchester United beating Wigan 5-0 at Old Trafford.

The first half saw David Silva miss a chance that could have been the winner, while Shane Long missed a header in the second half that could have seen his side register a famous victory.

The pattern of the game was evident within the first 10 minutes, as it was Roberto Mancini’s men who attacked while the Baggies defended deep.

In one such instance, a cross from Gael Clichy found Milner unmarked, but the midfielder headed wide of the target.

The first genuine effort on goal came after 17 minutes, when Paul Scharner’s right-foot shot produced a save from Joe Hart.

City had a great opportunity to break the deadlock when Sergio Aguero cut in from the left and sent the ball to David Silva who was in the area.

But the Spain international sent the ball over the bar, perhaps feeling that that should have been buried.

Just past the 30-minute mark, Mario Balotelli put the ball in the net after a shot from David Silva but the linesman ruled the Italian offside.

Ten minutes into the second period, Balotelli initially appeared to be sending in a cross, but went for glory instead.

His curling shot caught goalkeeper Ben Foster off his line and almost caused a sensational goal, but the bar saved West Brom.

At the other end, an overhit cross saw Vincent Kompany take no chances, heading the ball away to safety.

An error from Toure meant eventually saw Thomas send in a superb cross that Long should have converted.

But the forward’s header somehow managed to miss the target, despite the former Reading man having more than enough space at the back post.

Around the hour mark, Milner headed a cross into the box for Aguero to do the damage, but a vital tackle from Gareth McAuley saved the day with a superb challenge.

With 15 minutes left, the game was getting a little stretched as the Baggies began to slowly move forward and push for a goal.

Odemwingie set up Scharner for a shot from 20 yards, with the latter sending a low shot towards goal. The effort had Hart beaten, but unfortunately for the home side it did not beat the post.

The visitors had scored in every league game up to this one, and gave it everything they had during the final few minutes to ensure that the game would not end goalless.

But the Baggies defended well and managed to stave off the attacks and ensure that the league leaders dropped a point at the Hawthorns, and add their name to a list of three other clubs – Fulham, Liverpool and Chelsea – who have prevented City from taking three points this season.