United's title hopes fade

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Manchester United's hopes of retaining its Premier League title suffered another blow when it was held to a goalless draw at Blackburn.

The visitors bossed the game at Ewood Park for long periods but were unable to find a way past former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

United is now a point behind leader Chelsea - 2-1 winners at Old Trafford last Saturday - with the Londoners also having a game in hand.

Manchester City strengthened its bid to finish fourth - and claim the final Champions League spot - after thumping Birmingham 5-1 at Eastlands.

Nedum Onuoha scored his first league goal of the season and Emmanuel Adebayor also weighed in with a brace.

With Carlos Tevez scoring his 27th of the season from the penalty spot and also getting a touch to Onuoha's header to score his 28th, City secured a comfortable victory.

Cameron Jerome netted Birmingham's consolation.

City is now six points ahead of Liverpool, which could only manage a goalless draw at home to fellow Europa League semi-finalists Fulham.

Monday's other game, between Wolves and Stoke, also finished 0-0.

Blackburn 0
Manchester United 0

Manchester City 5 (Tevez 37p, 39, Adebayor 43, 88, Onuoha 73)
Birmingham 1 (Jerome 41)

Liverpool 0
Fulham 0

Wolves 0
Stoke 0

Photograph Copyright : Getty Images