City draws at Stoke, drops 2 points in title race updated 4:07 p.m. LONDON (AP) -Manchester City dropped two vital points in the Premier League title race on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at Stoke to hand the initiative to reigning champion Manchester United. City recovered from conceding a sensational volley by Peter Crouch to salvage a point thanks to Yaya Toure's deflected long-range effort, returning to the top of the standings on goal difference. However, United can reclaim the lead and push three points clear with eight matches to go with a victory over Fulham in its game in hand on Monday. Arsenal pulled three points clear in the battle for third place by beating Aston Villa 3-0 as London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham drew 0-0. Bolton marked its first match since Fabrice Muamba's on-field cardiac arrest by beating Blackburn 2-1.