Aston Villa gain precious point as Man City spurn chances

Aston Villa 0 Manchester City 0: Manuel Pellegrini was left bemoaning missed chances and another injury blow as Manchester City failed to strengthen their position at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernando all blew golden opportunities to condemn bottom club Aston Villa to an eighth successive defeat after City had lost the services of Wilfried Bony to a hamstring injury.

With Sergio Aguero still sidelined and Bony limping off after 24 minutes, Pellegrini looked to his big summer signings Sterling and De Bruyne to produce the vital spark to keep City on track. But neither could come up with the goods as Frenchman Remi Garde got his reign at Villa Park off to a satisfactory start.