Manchester City have been unable to break down Stoke City in the first half of their Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.
City's first half chance arrived after five minutes when Yaya Toure threatened to meet a cross from Vincent Kompany, but the Ivorian could not make contact inside a crowded penalty box and the danger was cleared.
Steven N'Zonzi tried his luck for the Potters five minutes later, but his effort was high and wide of the crossbar.
City were next to come close after 12 minutes when Bacary Sagna found Samir Nasri inside the box, but the Frenchman's effort was straight at Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
The away side had a big penalty shout after 20 minutes when Aleksandar Kolarov appeared to fell Mame Biram Diouf inside the box, but referee Lee Mason was not interested, despite contact being made.
Peter Crouch threatened for Stoke just past the 30-minute mark, but his effort from the edge of the box was straight into the arms of England goalkeeper Joe Hart.
The home side continued to dominate possession late in the half, but were unable to make the breakthrough, with Toure striking the crossbar in stoppage time.
Matt Law
