Manchester City lost their perfect record in UEFA Cup Group A but managed to secure qualification to the knockout phase of the competition as they drew 0-0 against a more adventurous Paris Saint-Germain outfit, that kept their hopes of progression alive with a point. All of the best chances would fall the way of the Frenchmen, who regretted their inability to force the ball past Hart in the City goal as they spent much of the latter part of the game on the front foot.

Both sides were rather disappointing on the whole as the fringe players tried hard to impress but largely failed. On the City side, Jo was disappointing in attack alongside Sturridge in attack. Ireland and Kompany were solid in the centre of midfield, the only area where PSG would come close to impressing, while the defence was sound. As expected, Paul Le Guen made pretty hefty changes to his Parisian side, which would start with the disappointing Kezman in attack alongside Peguy Luyindula. Makélélé and Clément, the first choice central midfield duo, were maintained, while Pancrate and Rothen started down the flanks. Full-backs Armand and Ceara were both excused starting duties as three changes were made from PSG’s first choice rearguard.

It was evident that the players were not used to playing regularly together in a competitive environment as the Parisians started the game in a tentative manner, with the hosts firmly on the front foot. In the opening five minutes, Mickaël Landreau was forced into a scrambling double-save as he blocked first from Sturridge and then from Jo. The first half would become a disappointing affair, though. PSG were proving difficult to break down but they were causing City no problems whatsoever. This deadlocked state of affairs would largely continue until one minute before half time, when Luyindula linked with Kezman only for the Serbian to delay his shot too long and allow the City defence to make a block. Changes in the second half designed to liven the game up for the hosts failed as PSG took a firmer grip on proceedings. Just after the hour mark, Armand, on as a substitute, released Luyindula, who was denied by Hart when through on goal. Opportunities then began to appear on a regular basis for the hosts, who would have plenty of goal scoring chances before full time. The best would be reserved until the final minutes. Two dangerous centres from Luyindula with ten minutes to go could not be forced into the net while Camara had the best chance of the night only a few moments later. Rothen’s free-kick found the defender totally unmarked yet he contrived to miss the ball totally as the hosts breathed a sight of relief.

PSG now know they need to beat FC Twente in their final game of the group stage to stand a chance of progression. They will be relying on City doing them a favour as the English club go to Santander, however, needing to better Twente’s result to qualify. PSG really need a favour from Wednesday’s opponents as they could be edged out with four points on goal difference.