Manchester City 1 West Ham United 1

Sven-Goran Eriksson heaped lavish praise on rising goalkeeping star Joe Hart after he produced to a stellar display to preserve Manchester City's unbeaten home record in the Barclays Premier League.

Carlton Cole produced a delightful overhead kick to put West Ham ahead after eight minutes before Darius Vassell stabbed in a controversial equaliser eight minutes later.

The Hammers always looked more likely to pilfer the points, however, and Hart, 20, confirmed his rich promise with excellent saves to deny Mark Noble and then Cole in the closing stages.

City boss Eriksson said: ''He played very well yet again today. He has a great future and is a fantastic goalkeeper for his age.

''He's rather big, he's good on crosses and he's very brave.

''The only thing that's missing is experience. You cannot buy experience - you have to stand there between the posts and let it happen over the years.''

Back in August and September, Kasper Schmeichel was Eriksson's number one and Hart also appeared to have Andreas Isaksson standing in his way once the experienced Sweden international returned from injury.

But, after taking his time to have a good look at his options the Swede decided to pin his hopes on Hart, declaring him number one until further notice.

Hart was repaid Eriksson with interest and while the England Under-21 international Hart has played down his own chances of being included in Fabio Capello's senior squad, his performances are making a compelling case for his inclusion.

''I said weeks ago that he has the chance to be an England goalkeeper in the future,'' added Eriksson.

''I don't know whether it's time now - Capello has to decide that - and I'll be happy with whatever happens.

''I don't think Joe Hart expects to be in the full side. He's the youngest goalkeeper we have.''

Eriksson's side were again solid in defence but a chronic lack of firepower seriously undermined their efforts.

And while a UEFA Cup spot remains a distinct possibility - this point lifted them to fifth - dreams of the Champions League are fading fast.

Eriksson's men won their first nine home league games this season but have now taken just three points from their last three outings at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The Swede, who revealed he was hoping to bring in new players to offset the loss through injury of Mexican striker Nery Castillo, added: ''Castillo has signed and I'm very happy with that, but he will be out for five or six weeks and that is a big blow.

''We are working hard to make things better.

''I think we have a good opportunity to do it and I know that the owner would like to do it as well."

West Ham deserve credit for producing a spirited response after limping out of the FA Cup at Eastlands four days earlier.

That they did so without Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington - both ruled out due to back and knee injuries respectively - hinted at the depth and quality of their squad as the Londoners continue their own assault on Europe.

The Hammers were already shorn of the services of a host of key players and manager Alan Curbishley said: ''Hart has been excellent in the two games and is probably the reason why we've not won both of them.

''I'm a little bit disappointed but it's great credit to the players that they deserved to be the first team to win here.

''We've had to chop and change all season and there's been great disruption to the squad, but they've done fantastically well.

''And if we can get one or two back - and freshen it up and carry on being as committed as we are - we'd like to finish in the top eight.

''First we need to catch the two teams above us - Blackburn and Portsmouth - but the signs are very encouraging.''