Birmingham - Aston Villa marked Remi Garde's first game in charge by frustrating Manchester City 0-0 to end a seven-game losing streak in a meeting of the bottom and top teams in the Premier League on Sunday.
Villa remains five points from safety but did at least stop its alarming slump after surviving a late scare when Fernando thumped the bar.
Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan's reaction stop denied Raheem Sterling, and Kevin De Bruyne missed a clear second-half chance as City failed to find a breakthrough.
There was a renewed sense of confidence despite Villa's run of losses, the first six of which led to Tim Sherwood's firing.