London, Dec 27 (DPA) Leaders Chelsea showed their generous side on Boxing Day as they opened the door to the chasing pack in the Premier League thanks to a goalless draw against Birmingham City.
The London side Saturday dominated the match in terms of possession but wasted a number of good chances and had to settle for a draw.
The point moved them five points clear of Manchester United at the top, but the champions can cut the gap if they win against Hull City.
Roberto Mancini enjoyed a winning start to his reign as Manchester City manager as they beat Stoke City 2-0, while Tottenham were held 0-0 at Fulham and Liverpool got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wolves.
Birmingham, who had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, survived a couple of scares but held out for a point to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games and consolidate their place in seventh.
Chelsea winger Florent Malouda was sent off in the dying minutes for a challenge on Stephen Carr, an annoyance to manager Carlo Ancelotti, who nevertheless said he thought Chelsea had actually played decently.
“It is not a good result for us but, as for what we did on the pitch, I think we played well,” Ancelotti said. “We had a lot of chances, showed very good heart and the goalkeeper for Birmingham (Joe Hart) made very good saves.
“We are disappointed with the result but not for the performance of the team. We improved after the last time against West Ham (a 1-1 draw).
“We played well, Birmingham tried to play the counter-attack. It was a difficult game for us but I think that Chelsea did the best in this moment.”
Birmingham’s Joe Hart was the busier of the two goalkeepers, saying: “It’s one of the first games I’ve actually had something to do.
“The lads have been absolutely awesome so there’s no surprises we’re getting results and where we are in the league. I’ve had a few words with them because they block everything and I want something to do.
“I enjoy the game and I enjoy making saves.”
Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to go third as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Fulham, while Manchester City gave new manager Roberto Mancini a winning start to his reign as they beat Stoke City 2-0.
First-half goals from Martin Petrov and Carlos Tevez secured the win for Mancini’s side and consolidated their position in sixth place.
“The atmosphere was brilliant,” Mancini said. “It was a great experience. And I was happy the fans gave me a good reception.
Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, who were not helped by the sending-off of Stephen Ward for a second yellow card.
Steven Gerrard headed Liverpool in front just after the hour mark and a deflected strike by Yossi Benayoun soon after secured the win and moved them up to seventh.
West Ham United moved out of the bottom three with a well-deserved 2-0 win over Portsmouth, while Burnley came from behind to draw 1-1 with Bolton.
Everton pinched a 1-1 draw at Sunderland as Marouane Fellaini equalised late on after Darren Bent had put the home side ahead, while Wigan drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers in the day’s other match.
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