Stoke frustrated Manchester City as they held out for a goalless draw in their rearranged Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
City, who rested the in-form Raheem Sterling, came to life after a drab first half but were unable to find a way through the Potters' stubborn rearguard.
The result lifted City level with second-placed Tottenham but the overwhelming feeling at the final whistle was of an opportunity missed.
Sterling was not included in the matchday squad while the influential David Silva only appeared as a second-half substitute as manager Pep Guardiola rotated his resources.