West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa have played out a goalless draw in the West Midlands derby at The Hawthorns.
West Brom began the fixture on the front foot, but they were unable to create anything of note inside the penalty area as Villa displayed the same resolute qualities that have resulted in just two goals being conceded in their last four outings in all competitions ahead of this fixture.
Stephane Sessegnon was lively for the hosts, but the first, and only, clear opportunity during the first half went to Jordan Ayew, who forced a solid save out of Ben Foster in the Baggies goal.
That effort helped gain Villa a small foothold in the match, but like their opponents, they were struggling to apply any sort of pressure in the final third of the pitch.
Soon after the restart, Craig Dawson sent a header over at the near post, but like in the opening period, the home side failed to build on their early pressure and allowed Villa to settle.
Ashley Westwood managed to get a long-range strike on target for the visitors that was easily dealt with by Foster, before both managers made their move from the bench as Saido Berahino and Rudy Gestede were introduced into the action.
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Gestede almost made an immediate impact after meeting a cross from Westwood, but the forward was only able to glance a header wide of the target.
Villa continued to push forward but they were unable to create a clear-cut chance in and around the box, with another header from Gestede the closest they would come ahead of the final 15 minutes.
The visitors suffered a blow when Gestede was forced off with a hamstring injury, but they remained in the ascendancy as a Westwood shot from distance was turned behind by Foster, who was impressing on his Premier League return.
West Brom were offering nothing in attack, but Villa were unable to take full advantage and although they will be satisfied with extending their recent unbeaten run to five games in all competitions, they still sit as many as nine points adrift of safety in the Premier League table.
Darren Plant
