Aston Villa 0, Portsmouth 0:David James created Premiership history as he earned Portsmouth a valuable point in their quest to qualify for the Uefa Cup. The England goalkeeper set a record of Premiership clean sheets - 142 - and surpassed previous holder David Seaman as Portsmouth climbed above Tottenham into eighth spot.

Villa dominated for long periods. Patrik Berger pulled the strings in midfield where Craig Gardner again impressed. Up front there were encouraging signs the new John Carew-Gabriel Agbonlahor partnership could blossom.

Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen did not have to make a worthwhile save during the match. Agbonlahor was pushed up front with Carew as Martin O'Neill switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2. Gardner went close after seven minutes. Carew shook off the challenge of Linvoy Primus before sending over a cross which fell into the path of Gardner but his effort was blocked by James.

Gardner was prominent and one ball from the midfielder played in Agbonlahor but Sol Campbell blocked the shot. James fingertipped away a cross from Wilfred Bouma and the ball landed at the feet of Berger but his attempted chip over the goalkeeper was misdirected.

Villa continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession and a quick free-kick from Stilian Petrov in a wide area allowed Gareth Barry to the chance of a first-time shot which was deflected for a corner.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp brought on Arnold Mvuemba in place of Benjani Mwaruwari at half-time. But Villa were soon back on the offensive and Carew spun sharply to force James to beat out a powerful shot.

Carew had the ball in the net after 57 minutes but the Norwegian internationally had strayed offside. James turned a drive from Agbonlahor around the post. Barry could have won the game in the closing minutes but he sliced his shot wide.