Manchester City Couldn’t Put Pressure On Chelsea

 

Manchester City missed the chance to move second in the Premier League as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Stoke City. Pep Guardiola's side were looking to close the gap on leaders Chelsea to eight points but remain in third place, behind Tottenham on goal difference, after a game of few clear opportunities at the Etihad Stadium.

Substitutes David Silva and Kelechi Iheanacho missed good chances in the final 20 minutes but Stoke, who remain ninth on 36 points, deserved a point for a determined away display. Manchester City lacked urgency in a first half which actually saw the away side produce the best chances.

Stoke would have deservedly led at the Etihad Stadium had Willy Caballero not been alert to deny Mame Biram Diouf's scuffed shot from Erik Pieters' sixth-minute cross or if Bruno Martins Indi had connected more cleanly with Jonathan Walters' free-kick.