Portsmouth

Hart frustrates

PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP) - Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart frustrated Portsmouth with a series of fine saves in his side's 0-0 draw at Fratton Park on Sunday.
Hart, 20, was making only his ninth appearance for City but he belied his youth with a mature display that consolidated Sven Goran Eriksson's side in third place in the Premier League.
Portsmouth had won five of their previous six league matches but they were unable to find a way past the inspired Hart and had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Hart modestly gave the credit for his cleansheet to City's defenders. "It's a massive result for us but we've done it as a team and I don't take any credit for it," he said.
"We in and defended well. I was happy to make some good saves but I'm just doing my job."
Eriksson added: "Joe is a big talent and has already showed it with the England Under-21s. He will get better and better."
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp admitted Hart was the game's key figure.
"I didn't think we did too much wrong," he said. "We hit the post and I thought the shot from Glen Johnson in the first half was in but the keeper made a fantastic save."
City's success has been built on a superb home record but they have been less impressive away from Eastlands, with their only league win on opposition territory coming on the opening day at West Ham.
Eriksson's team had bounced back from their 6-0 thrashing at Chelsea with two consecutive victories, but they showed a few signs of travel sickness here.
After a tepid opening from both sides, Hart produced the first moment of class when he turned away Benjani's shot. The rookie did even better in the 26th minute to keep his team level.
Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson robbed Didi Hamann on the edge of the penalty area and curled in a left-foot shot that was heading for the top corner until Hart brilliantly tipped it onto the bar.
Hart made another smart save at full-stretch to push away Niko Kranjcar's shot after the Croatian had pushed past Vedran Corluka.
City finally had a sight of goal when Martin Petrov drove a first time effort straight at David James after 40 minutes.
Portsmouth were forcing the pace without the slice of luck needed to make the breakthrough.
Matt Taylor headed wide when well placed. And David Nugent was agonisingly close with 18 minutes to go when his shot deflected off Micah Richards and hit a post before rebounding to safety.
City offered sporadic threats. Darius Vassell missed a good chance when he scuffed wide and Petrov was denied by James again, but it was Portsmouth who finished on top.
Johnson was having a personal duel with Hart and the City goalkeeper won hands down. He foiled the Portsmouth defender again in the 74th minute with a brave save from Johnson's close range effort.