Birmingham were on the wrong end of more penalty controversy as they earned a share of the spoils in a goalless clash at Aston Villa. Alex McLeish's side had been beaten by a controversial spot-kick in the corresponding fixture last season. This time Villa skipper Nigel Reo-Coker appeared to control the ball with his arm inside the box just before half-time - but the visitors' penalty appeals were rejected by referee Howard Webb. Birmingham had the consolation of ending a run of six successive defeats against their local rivals. But this was a game lacking in quality and will not remain long in the memory. Villa finished the stronger of the two teams with Ashley Young hitting the post but have now gone three league games without a goal and it would have been harsh on Birmingham to end up with nothing.
Source: PA
Source: PA