Manchester City 1-1 Hull City

Sergio Aguero failed to score once again

James Milner scored an injury-time equaliser to salvage a draw and a point for Manchester City against struggling Hull.

The England midfielder netted a superb free-kick in the 92nd minute but was unable to prevent the champions falling seven points behind Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

David Meyler appeared to have secured Hull a much-needed win with his 35th-minute opener, which gave the Tigers a deserved first-half lead.

As Manchester City ramped up the pressure in the second half, Edin Dzeko went close before Sergio Aguero saw a shot hit the crossbar.

Time appeared to have run out for Manuel Pellegrini's side but in the second minute of added time substitute Milner bent in a wicked free-kick to rescue a draw.

It was not enough to end City's winless run which now stretches to four league games - their worst run in over five years.

Pellegrini made three changes from last week's draw at Chelsea. Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony were still on international duty with African Cup of Nations finalists Ivory Coast, but Pablo Zabaleta and Samir Nasri returned to the starting line-up, while Dzeko made his first league start since October.

Hull manager Steve Bruce made four changes from the 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle and lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, with new 3million signing Dame N'Doye making his debut as a second-half substitute.

Bruce's side began the day in the relegation zone after a run of three straight defeats but started well against the reigning Premier League champions, who were sluggish for most of the first half.

Despite dominating possession City were unable to penetrate the Hull defence and left themselves open at the back on numerous occasions.

It almost led to a Hull opener after just 16 minutes when Robbie Brady's swirling cross found Ahmed Elmohamady, whose header at the back post rattled the crossbar.

The warning signs were there for City but it made no difference as Hull took the lead 10 minutes before half-time. Jake Livermore saw a shot saved by Joe Hart and Gaston Ramirez's effort came back off the post before Meyler slotted home on the follow-up for Hull's first goal since New Year's Day.

Nasri wasted a half-chance to bring City level before the break and the hosts lacked urgency until the second half.

The introduction of Jesus Navas at half-time sparked Pellegrini's side into life but chances remained few and far between against a resilient Hull defence.

Dzeko came close to levelling with a powerful shot from Navas' cross but found Allan McGregor equal to his effort, the goalkeeper pulling off an excellent save to tip the ball wide.

City thought they should have had a penalty a few moments later when David Silva went down inside the Hull penalty area after being pushed in the back by Alex Bruce. Referee Jonathan Moss appeared to have his view of the incident impeded and was unable to give the decision, despite City's best protests.

Aguero, now without a goal in six games, was left frustrated for most of the game and it took until the final moments for a clear chance to fall in his direction.

The Argentinian striker brilliantly brought down Nasri's cross and unleashed a half-volley from a narrow angle that beat McGregor and hit the underside of the crossbar.

Aguero did manage to play his part in a goal as he was fouled by Tom Huddlestone in stoppage time and Milner superbly found the bottom corner from the resulting free-kick for his first league goal of the season.

Questions will now be raised about City's title credentials after falling a long way adrift of Chelsea with 14 games remaining, while Hull move out of the relegation zone but only on goal difference above Burnley, who play West Brom on Sunday.