20 Aug 2012

Manchester City deny new boys Southampton

5:50 am on 20 August 2012

It was nearly deja vu for Manchester City, who, like on the final day of last season had to come back from 2-1 down at home to beat an unfancied opponent.

Newly promoted Southampton took a shock 2-1 lead in the second half after Rickie Lambert and Steven Davis scored goals against the run of play, following Carlos Tevez's opener in the first half.

Goals from Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri saved City from embarrassment as normal order was restored and the champions came out on top 3-2.

Earlier in the day Chelsea's Eden Hazard enjoyed a dream debut as the Belgium forward set up both his side's goals in their 2-0 win over Wigan.