Leicester City failed to score for the fifth straight match as they were held 0-0 by Sunderland in a bottom-of-the-table Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

However Nigel Pearson's team dragged themselves one place clear of the bottom three on goal difference, ahead of Burnley who triumphed 2-1 at Stoke.

Sunderland, who have not won at Leicester in a top flight match for over 30 years, climb to 13 points and three clear of the drop zone.

Matt James had a golden chance to win the match for the Foxes with 20 minutes left when he worked a one-two with Leo Ulloa and had only the keeper to beat from 12 yards but Romanian Costel Pantillimon was equal to the challenge in the away goal.

Leicester have now failed to find the target in over 450 minutes while Sunderland have taken five from their last nine points on offer.

The teams were meeting for the first time since New Year's Day 2007, when Sunderland won 2-0 at Leicester and both sides were playing in the Championship.

Gus Poyet's Sunderland had the bulk of first half possession although both teams created chances in a scoreless opening 45 minutes.

Adam Johnson came close for the visitors on the half-hour mark only for Kasper Schmeichel to deny the former England international from close range with a smart low save.

Steven Fletcher also went close for the Black Cats but Schmeichel, the son of former Manchester United legend Peter, again made himself big to block the Scotsman's effort.

Both teams had opportunities to snatch victory but both Pantillimon and Schmeichel played key roles in keeping the match scoreless.