David James created Barclays Premiership history as his fine display earned Portsmouth a valuable point in their quest to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

The England goalkeeper set a new record of Premiership clean sheets - 142 - and surpassed the previous record holder David Seaman.

James made several important saves, most notably from Craig Gardner in the first half, as Pompey climbed above Tottenham into eighth spot.

Villa, brimming with confidence after taking nine points from the previous five games, dominated for long periods.

Patrik Berger pulled the strings in midfield after recovering from his hamstring injury where youngster Gardner again impressed.

And up front there were encouraging signs the new John Carew-Gabriel Agbonlahor partnership could blossom.

But their Achilles heel all season has been a failure to put their chances away and they could not break down the Pompey rearguard which managed to keep only its third clean sheet in the last 18 games.

Pompey showed a surprising lack of ambition given they had the more to play for of the two teams in terms of a UEFA Cup spot but it was a crucial point.

Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen did not have to make a worthwhile save during the entire 90 minutes and was a virtual spectator.

Agbonlahor was pushed up front alongside the fit again Carew as Martin O'Neill switched from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation.

Gardner had scored his first Villa goal in the win at Middlesbrough last weekend and he came close to giving them the lead after seven minutes.

Carew used his power to shake off the challenge of Linvoy Primus before sending over a low cross which fell invitingly into the path of Gardner but his close-range effort was blocked by James.

Gardner, who is to be offered a new contract, was prominent and one ball from the young midfielder played in Agbonlahor but Sol Campbell was alert to the situation and blocked the shot at the expense of a corner.

James managed to fingertip away a cross from Wilfred Bouma at full stretch and the ball landed at the feet of Berger on the far side of the area but his attempted chip over the former England 'keeper was misdirected.

Berger was taking up some good positions and he raced on to a pass inside from Bouma and surged towards the Pompey goal but his eventual shot flew high over the bar.

Villa continued to enjoy the bulk of the possession and a quick free-kick from Petrov in a wide area allowed Barry the chance of a first-time shot which was deflected for a corner.

James was alert to parry a low drive from the impressive Gardner after Berger's flick-on had carved out the opening.

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp made a half-time substitution, bringing on Arnold Mvuemba in place of Benjani Mwaruwari.

But Villa were soon back on the offensive and Carew spun sharply to force James to beat out a powerful shot at the near post after he had accepted Barry's pass.

Hughes became the first player to be yellow carded after 54 minutes after chopping down former Pompey player Berger.

Carew had the ball in the net after 57 minutes after more good play by Berger but the Norwegian internationally had strayed offside.

James remained the busier of the keepers and he arched backwards to turn a fierce drive from Agbonlahor around the post after a superb 50-yard crossfield pass from Berger.

Barry could have won the game in the closing minutes but he sliced his shot wide from substitute Ashley Young's low cross.

Teams

Aston Villa Sorensen, Bardsley (Young 77), Laursen, Mellberg,Bouma, Gardner, Petrov, Berger (Maloney 79), Barry, Agbonlahor,Carew (Moore 74).

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Hughes.

Portsmouth James, Lauren, Primus, Campbell, Stefanovic,O'Neil, Hughes, Kranjcar (Johnson 83), Taylor,Kanu (LuaLua 77), Mwaruwari (Mvuemba 46).

Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Pamarot.

Booked: Hughes.

Att: 31,745

Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).