Manchester City held to goalless draw by Norwich as Bournemouth and Southampton record wins

Manchester City's Premier League title hopes suffered another blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Norwich City at Carrow Road. Manuel Pellegrini's men squandered the chance to significantly close the gap on table-topping Leicester City as they were kept at bay by a resolute Canaries team.

Two efforts from star man Sergio Aguero were both well saved by Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, who enjoyed a good day between the posts. It was, in fact, Norwich who came closest to snatching an unlikely victory, with a 25-yard Patrick Bamford shot hitting the crossbar. And late in the game, Graham Dorrans shot wide when he appeared well-placed to score.

After the match, City goalkeeper Joe Hart admitted his side did not do enough to earn victory. "Me and [Norwich goalkeeper] John Ruddy could have had the afternoon off to be honest," the City star said, according to the BBC. "We weren't good enough to win the game."

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Bournemouth secured a third successive league win with a dramatic victory over Swansea. The 3-2 success, which was sealed by Steve Cook's 78th-minute header, moved them 13 points clear of the relegation zone.

The home side had twice led at Dean Court, only to be pulled back on both occasions. However, Cook's late goal secured the victory and moved the Cherries towards Premier League survival.

"We still feel we have more work to do but we are moving in the right direction," Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe told the BBC. "There are still big games to come. Swansea showed good character but our lads showed even better character to deal with those setbacks and find another gear.

"There are no easy games at this level. You have to get your mentality right. Credit to the players but they have it in them to be focused and they want more. We have to keep achieving. We go into a tough run of fixtures but ones we can look forward to."

Meanwhile, two first-half goals from Graziano Pellè were enough to secure a 2-1 win for Ronald Koeman's Southampton side against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The Italian had not scored in his previous 12 league games, but was the hero for his side on the day.

The Potters got a goal back in the second period through Marko Arnautović, and the Saints were reduced to ten men when Sadio Mané was sent off in injury time, but Southampton held on for the win.