Manchester City keeper Shay Given saved a second half James McFadden penalty at Birmingham as both sides ground out a scoreless draw. City were indebted to their stopper not only for his spot-kick save but also a string of other superb saves to deny McFadden, Lee Bowyer and Christian Benitez.

Christian Benitez hit a post early on for the home side and Craig Bellamy saw a shot blocked for City but chances were few and far between for either team.

Birmingham's penalty came about after Nigel de Jong had handled in the box and then deep into added time the hosts Barry Ferguson became the ninth player sent off in the Premier League this weekend when he collected a second booking.

Despite a lacklustre display, City's fourth successive league draw sees them climb into the top four above Tottenham on goal difference.