BOTTOM club Aston Villa held English Premier League leader Manchester City to a 0-0 draw in new manager Remi Garde’s first match in charge Sunday.

    After seven consecutive league defeats, and one point from the last 30 on offer, had plunged Villa into crisis and cost Tim Sherwood his job, the former European champion produced a gritty display to frustrate City.

    Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan produced a remarkable save with his head after halftime to keep out Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne missed a sitter for the visitors who dominated possession without being able to find a way through.

    The closest City came to taking the points was in stoppage time when Fernando’s thumping header shook the crossbar but Villa hung on for a draw.

    City has 26 points from 12 matches and will be knocked off top spot if Arsenal (25) beats Tottenham Hotspur later.

    Villa remains marooned at the bottom with five points from 12 games after its worst ever start to a top-flight season.

    Liverpool was hosting Crystal Palace in the day’s other tie.

    (SD-Agencies)