Premier League: Manchester City 3 Southampton 2

Manchester City started their Premier League defence with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Southampton at Etihad Stadium.

Carlos Tevez gave the hosts a first-half lead, although City manager Roberto Mancini had been dealt an early blow when Sergio Aguero left the game on a stretcher with a knee injury.

Southampton had been largely confined to their own half before they stunned the hosts by racing in to a 2-1 lead in the second half courtesy of goals from substitutes Rickie Lambert and Steven Davis.

But Edin Dzeko quickly grabbed an equaliser and Samir Nasri, the architect of much of City’s best play, completed the comeback with 10 minutes to play.

Nasri was instrumental from the outset, flicking David Silva’s pass into the path of Tevez, who spun past centre-back Jos Hooiveld in the penalty box and was tripped by the Dutch defender’s outstretched leg, leaving Howard Webb no choice but to point to the spot.

With Aguero withdrawn and other regular takers Mario Balotelli and James Milner on the bench, Silva had the chance to send City in front but his penalty was poorly struck and gave Kelvin Davis an easy save.

Davis then saved comfortably when Tevez found enough space to toe-poke an effort from 18 yards towards goal.

Tevez was not kept at bay for much longer as Nasri, allowed too much time and space in the visitors’ half, picked out the Argentine who ran on to a chipped pass and blasted past Davis at the near post.

The game was almost put to bed shortly after the restart when Nasri crossed to substitute Dzeko, but the Bosnian failed to get proper contact on the ball from point-blank range.

Gael Clichy came even closer to goal minutes later when he latched on to Yaya Toure’s superb pass, but the left-back sent a first-time volley over the crossbar.

The game change when Lambert came on and made an instant impact, steering home a precise shot from the edge of the box after Clichy had blocked the ball back on to his path.

Davis then sent the visiting fans in to delirium when the former Rangers midfielder took advantage of Adam Lallana’s lay-off to find the bottom corner with another fine finish.

City responded when Vincent Kompany returned Nasri’s corner to the penalty area with a low shot and after Mario Balotelli had scrapped for the ball it fell for Dzeko to slam home.

Balotelli then failed to convert a sublime low cross from Nasri as City searched for another dramatic third goal before Dzeko glanced a header narrowly wide.

The winner came when Southampton defender Danny Fox headed a clearance directly in to the path of Nasri, with the Frenchman making no mistake from close range.