Manchester City have failed to break the deadlock in the first half as their Premier League clash against Sunderland is goalless at the break.
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The hosts dominated from the start, though they were unable to make a quick breakthrough as Yaya Toure blasted a long-range shot over the crossbar.
On the quarter-hour mark, City continued to turn the screw as Toure saw his shot blocked before David Silva collected the ball and fired wide.
Manuel Pellegrini's charges then found themselves temporarily down to 10 men as Pablo Zabaleta was forced off for treatment with blood seeping from under his head bandage.
The home side struggled to break down their opponents' resolute defence in the first half, Silva deciding to push forward on the half-hour mark and striking a 25-yard shot towards goal that Costel Pantilimon was able to save.
Despite their lack of possession, Sunderland were able to see out the opening 45 minutes without conceding.
Giuseppe Labellarte
