Battling QPR hold Manchester City to goalless draw

On a day dominated by Mario Balotelli’s expected move to AC Milan, Roberto Mancini’s side could have done with a moment of magic from the Italy international.

Defensive heroics from the hosts and the fine form of Julio Cesar denied City in west London, leaving them four points behind rivals United.

That gap could extend to seven points should Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Southampton tonight, and City will be kicking themselves for failing to make it five successive league wins this evening.

Pablo Zabaleta hit the crossbar and Cesar superbly denied Gareth Barry in a first half in which Adel Taarabt was superbly denied by Joe Hart.

January acquisition Loic Remy was lucky to avoid a booking for a dive after the break as QPR spent most the second half on the back foot, successful withstanding a barrage of City attacks.

Wigan moved out of the bottom three on goal difference after second-half goals from James McArthur and Franco Di Santo helped them rescue a 2-2 draw at Stoke.

The Potters took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ryan Shawcross capitalised on a Latics defensive blunder to hook the ball in, and Peter Crouch made it 2-0 in the 48th, following up Charlie Adam’s parried shot.

But two minutes later McArthur pulled a goal back for the visitors and Di Santo then levelled in the 61st minute.

Sunderland target Danny Graham almost gave Swansea all three points in their clash at the Stadium of Light but the two teams had to settle for a goalless draw.