It was a clash that could have altered the Premiership table standings, but Fratton Park was witness to an action packed draw between Portsmouth and Manchester City last Sunday. The 0-0 draw also ensured that Manchester City stayed above Portsmouth on the table.

For Pompey it was a missed opportunity as this was their third goalless draw in their last four home games. This goalless drought at home is sure to have Harry Redknapp worried. Portsmouth were guilty of missing penalties against Liverpool and West Ham, but this time there were no such opportunities.

Manchester City will have to be grateful to Joe Hart, who kept them in the game with fine saves. Manchester City also recovered from their last away trip when they had let in six goals at Chelsea. But it was Benjani Mwaruwari who had the first chance for Pompey sending his header from a Glen Johnson cross well over the bar.

Minutes later Kanu had a great chance, but his fierce shot was blocked by Hart. On the third minute, Sean Davis shot narrowly over signaling that Portsmouth were determined to wrest the initiative.

Minutes later Niko Kranjcar's delivery from a Pompey cross was confidently fielded by hart, who was the more tested of the two goalkeepers in the first quarter of an hour. At the other end Martin Petrov sent in a fine cross, which was parried away by David James. For City Darius Vassell forged a fine partnership with Elano and Petrov.

Petrov had a fine chance on 40 minutes, but his drive barely tested James. After the break both teams continued to search for a goal to break the deadlock. But neither side made any breakthroughs. On 72 minutes Nugent got close with a fierce shot that rebounded clear off the back post.

In the dying minutes Hart fumbled a shot off Nugent, but Benjani was a little late with his follow-up allowing the City keeper to collect neatly.