Manchester City vs. Southampton: Score, Highlights and Grades

The 2011-12 champions survived. But boy, did the newcomers give them all they could handle.

Manchester City ultimately survived in the opening game of the Premier League season, defeating Southampton 3-2. But what a battle it was—after taking a 1-0 lead into halftime off a Carlos Tevez goal, Manchester City found themselves trailing 2-1 in the second half after goals by Rickie Lambert and Steve Davis.

The panic for City was short-lived, however. Substitute Edin Dzeko—who came on after Sergio Aguero left in the first half with what appeared to be a knee injury—scored after a scramble off a corner kick. Not long after, Samir Nasri capped a brilliant game off a volley in the box in what turned out to be the winner.

Man City gets the win, but a lot of credit goes to Southampton. They were the more active team in the first half and only were dented by Man City in the last five minutes. And the fact that they not only went up 2-1 on City but battled throughout and made life difficult for the champions speaks highly to the character of the club.

But in the end, the pure talent of City won out. Let's check out some highlights and give out a few grades.

Highlights

Grades

Samir Nasri, Manchester City: A+

He scored a goal, set up another with a beautiful lob to Tevez, should have had a second assist after a brilliant cross to Mario Balotelli (who failed to score on a wide open net) and consistently spearheaded the Man City attack.

In a word, he was magnificent. He was the man of the match, no two ways about it.

David Silva, Manchester City: C

His miss on the penalty kick he attempted alone was worth a poor grade—it was as bad an attempt as you'll see from a player of Silva's class—and in general, his touch and passing were off in this one. Not the sort of effort we've come to expect or should see often from Silva.

Southampton's Entire Squad: A+

I can't emphasize how impressive the effort by this Southampton side was. They didn't play like newcomers or a squad that was clearly outclassed in the talent department, giving Manchester City all they could handle. 

The goals from Lambert and Davis came off impressive strikes, but to single out players is to miss the point of Southampton's game. This was a group effort, and the team in general should hold their heads high after a wonderful game.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City: A

Yes, his goal as the first half was winding down was impressive, but Tevez was solid throughout, staying very busy moving from side to side in the attacking third, putting together impressive runs and generally giving the Southampton defenders headaches throughout.

He also earned the penalty that Silva missed so poorly.

If 2011-12 was a season of tumult for Tevez's relationship with the club, 2012-13 looks as though it could be a brilliant campaign for the talented striker. And if Aguero's injury is serious, they'll need Tevez to step up in a big way.

Edin Dzeko, Manchester City: B

On one hand, Dzeko's insertion into the game after Aguero was injured seemed to postpone any rhythm Manchester City had in the first half. 

On the other, he did score the game-tying goal and was much busier and active in the second half. I'm not sure if Dzeko is really the best fit with this team, but he's not going to kill them on the pitch, either. If he plays often this season, I'm sure he'll be getting a lot of "B" grades.

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