Half-Time Report: James MIlner sent off in Manchester City stalemate

West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City are stuck at 0-0 after a first 45 minutes that saw the away side reduced to 10 men.

© PA Photos

The visitors enjoyed the first real chance of the match after 14 minutes when Micah Richards got on the end of a corner, only to see his header tipped over by Ben Foster.

The champions' match took a turn for the worse after 23 minutes, however, as James Milner brought down Shane Long as the last man, giving the referee no choice but to show him the red card.

Mario Balotelli almost gave the 10 men of City the lead with just four minutes left of the half when he dribbled past three defenders before finding space for a shot, but Foster was equal to it.

West Brom almost grabbed the opener on the stroke of half-time, but James Morrison's strike from the edge of the box flew just over Joe Hart's bar.