Man City draw a blank in season opener

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City renew hostilities as the Premier League kicks off with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.

Manchester City's Nigel De Jong, left, battles for the ball with Tottenham's Jermain Defoe during their 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane.

LONDON // Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City renewed hostilities as the Premier League kicked off today with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane. Two of the sides expected to challenge the traditionally dominant teams for the title this season slugged away at each other for 90 minutes of a breathless game but had to settle for a point each. Gareth Bale came closest for Tottenham, who pipped City in the race for fourth place and the Champions League play-offs last season. Bale thumped the base of the post after half an hour and he wasted a glorious chance late on.

City, who have spent more than £100 million (Dh572.62m) in the transfer market since finishing fifth last season, gave debuts to Yaya Toure, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov, but it was the goalkeeper Joe Hart who impressed most, making a string of first-half saves to keep Tottenham at bay. Champions Chelsea host West Bromwich Albion later (9.30pm UAE) while Blackpool make their Premier league bow at Wigan Athletic, their first top flight match since 1971.

Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday with Manchester United at home to promoted Newcastle United on Monday. * Reuters