Nov 1, 2009 - 1:56 PM
0 shoutsBy MARK HENDRY STATS European Football Writer=
LONDON (SE) - Shay Given saved a Birmingham penalty as Manchester City moved into fourth place in the Premier League above Liverpool and Tottenham with an exciting goalless draw at St Andrew's on Sunday.
Birmingham had former Scottish international Barry Ferguson sent off deep into stoppage time for a second bookable offence but by then both sides had settled for a point.
City's Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Given made some excellent saves in the first half when Birmingham threatened to build a decisive lead.
Given saved from James McFadden and Lee Bowyer but his best came in the 14th minute when he tipped a fierce effort from Christian Benitez against a post.
Birmingham should have gone ahead in the 59th minute when City defender Nigel de Jong and Sebastian Larsson competed for a corner and referee Mike Dean gave a penalty for de Jong's handball.
But Given again came to City's rescue, plunging to his left to block the spot kick from McFadden.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish took McFadden off three minutes later to replace him with Kevin Fahey but it was the last major incident in a hectic, rain-lashed battle.
City had their chances but never tested stand-in goalkeeper Maik Taylor in the way Given was put under constant pressure.
Taylor was only playing because first choice Joe Hart, on loan from Manchester City, was not eligible to play under the terms of the temporary transfer.
Taylor saved awkwardly from Shaun Wright-Phillips and from Craig Bellamy but City struggled to impose themselves on manager Mark Hughes's 46th birthday.
They badly missed the cutting edge of expensive striker Emmanuel Adebayor who was ruled out by back spasms.
Adebayor's place was taken by Roque Santa Cruz but the former Blackburn striker made no impact and was replaced by Martin Petrov after 67 minutes.
Birmingham sent on veteran front-runner Kevin Phillips for the last few minutes and he was presented with a chance almost as soon as he came on but scuffed a shot wide from a good position.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish conceded that Given had been the difference between the sides.
McLeish said: "Shay Given was man-of-the-match so that tells you everything. But we can go into the next match with belief.
"I have got a very disappointed dressing room. They gave everything.
"I thought we were in control of the match for long periods. It was just the finishing touch that was lacking."
City boss Hughes also conceded that Given's intervention had been the difference between the sides. Hughes said: "Shay is one of the best goalkeepers in the country, maybe even the best. I can't think of anyone who is consistently better.
"These slippery conditions made it difficult for the goalkeepers but it made for exciting viewing for the neutral.
"Overall I am just a little disappointed we did not make more chances but we are fourth so I am not complaining too much."
