Under-strength City draw with PSG
Vassell wasted two off City's better chances of the night
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Wednesday, 03, Dec 2008 10:15
Manchester City fielded an under-strength side against Paris Saint Germain at Eastlands but still managed to earn a 0-0 draw in their Uefa Cup group match.
City had already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition and were able to rest some players – notably Robinho, while Jo and Elano were recalled to the starting line up.
Mark Hughes' side offered little in the way of a goal threat during a disappointing match for both sides.
The home team's best chance came early in the contest when Elano slid in Daniel Sturridge but his first touch let him down and Mickael Landreau was able to save.
Jo then played in Darius Vassell but his shot could only find the side netting.
After that PSG managed to control the tempo of the game, with former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele breaking things up in the middle of the park and frustrating City.
After the break City continued to struggled when searching for a breakthrough. PSG were able to limit them to shots from distance and Vassell shot over the bar and Sturridge put another shot wide.
The visitors then took control of the match following the introduction of French international Ludovic Giuly.
He inspired his side and was able to release Peggy Luyindula but Joe Hart was equal to the striker's shot, making an instinctive save with his legs.
Much to City's relief PSG then wasted two further chances to get on the scoreboard. Guillaume Hoarau prodded a shot wide before Zoumana Camara headed wide from close-range.
The draw means City remain top of Group A on seven points with one more match against Racing Santander still to play.