Half-Time Report: Samir Nasri puts Manchester City ahead

An early goal from Samir Nasri has given Manchester City a 1-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur at half time at White Hart Lane this afternoon.

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Gareth Bale had a chance for Spurs in the opening minutes of the Premier League contest when he took a shot from 25 yards out, but Joe Hart was able to prevent the home side from going ahead.

However, the visitors responded quickly, as James Milner picked out Nasri just in front of goal and the French midfielder volleyed the ball past Hugo Lloris.

Clint Dempsey broke into the City box looking for an equaliser for the hosts, slotting the ball through to Kyle Walker, but Hart saw the danger and made another save.

Tottenham felt that they should have had a penalty shortly in the 34th minute, as Gareth Barry appeared to handle the ball in the area following a Michael Dawson header, but Lee Mason waved away the players' appeals.

Edin Dzeko almost doubled the visitors' advantage just before the break with an effort from close range, but Lloris was able to hold the shot, before keeping out a Carlos Tevez header moments later.