Title-chasing Manchester City could not crack resilient Queens Park Rangers and in-form goalkeeper Julio Cesar in a 0-0 draw at the Premier League’s basement side last night.
City closed the gap on leaders Manchester United to four points but a frustrating night at Loftus Road for Roberto Mancini’s side handed United the chance to increase their advantage to seven when they host Southampton today.
Aston Villa’s season continues to lurch from bad to worse after a 2-1 defeat against fellow strugglers Newcastle United dropped them into the relegation zone.
Goals from Papiss Cisse and Yohan Cabaye fired Newcastle into a first-half lead with Christian Benteke’s penalty soon after the restart not enough to save Villa from a fourth successive home league defeat.
Wigan Athletic moved above Villa and out of the drop zone on goal difference after coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Stoke City.
In the day’s other match, Sunderland target Danny Graham almost gave Swansea all three points in their clash at the Stadium of Light but the two teams had to settle for a goalless draw.
Graham, a 74th-minute substitute, looked set to fire home from point-blank range but Titus Bramble’s valiant interception saved a point for the hosts.
On a day dominated by Mario Balotelli’s expected move to Milan, Roberto Mancini’s side could have done with a moment of magic from the Italy international.
Defensive heroics from the hosts denied City who will be kicking themselves for failing to make it five successive league wins.
Pablo Zabaleta hit the crossbar and Cesar superbly denied Gareth Barry in a first half in which Adel Taarabt was superbly denied by Joe Hart.
January acquisition Loic Remy was lucky to avoid a booking for a dive after the break as QPR spent most the second half on the back foot, successfully withstanding a barrage of Manchester City attacks.
In the end, there was to be no City winner and QPR’s players gave Ryan Nelsen a guard of honour on what was his final game for the club before taking over as Toronto FC head coach.
Playing Today
20.45 Arsenal vs Liverpool; Everton vs West Bromwich; Norwich City vs Tottenham. 21.00 Fulham vs West Ham; Man. United vs Southampton; Reading vs Chelsea.