Manchester City began the defense of their Premier League title with a scare against newly promoted Southampton. The Premier League champions came from behind to pip Southampton to a 3-2 victory.
Roberto Mancin’s men had a penalty, but David Silva’s penalty was awful and saved easily by Kelvin Davis. Carlos Tevez opened the scores for City in the first half,after beating the offside trap to set City in front,but Southampton had other ideas as Rickie Lambert equalised less than five minutes after he came on as a substitute.in the game.
The Saints surprisingly took the lead through another substitute Steve Davis,who was on the pitch for just two minutes. But City dug deep and Mancini threw on Mario Balotelli.
Southampton could not clear their lines properly and Edin Dzeko pounced on to a lose ball to equalise for City.
Samir Nasri made it three with just ten minutes to the end of the game,in what looked like a repeat of last season’s final game, that City won 3-2 against QPR which clinched them the title.
Overall Southampton had an impressive game,coming up against the Champions at the Etihad stadium,but defensive lapses ensured they did not leave the stadium with a point.
Southampton’s manager Nigel Adkins, said after the game:”We knew we’d have to defend – and defend well. We’ll learn from that. We’ve run them close, but our endeavour is to win.” Adkins said.
A bit of a worry for City,as Argentine striker Sergio Aguero was strecthered off after he hurt his knee,but City’s medical personnel said he was on his way to the hospital for an MRI scan and should be okay.
Mancini said on the injury : “We don’t know at the moment. We will have to wait maybe two days for the results. We hope it’s not serious,” he said.
Not an easy ride for Manchester City over Southampton
