Manchester City have taken a 1-0 lead into half time aginst Southampton in the opening match of their title-defending season.

City suffered an early blow when Sergio Aguero was stretchered off in the first 15 minutes with a nasty-looking knee injury following a strong challenge by Nathaniel Clyne.

Shortly after, the champions were rpesented with the perfect chance to take the lead when Carlos Tevez was felled by Jos Hooiveld inside the penalty area. David Silva stepped up to take the spot kick, but rolled it down the middle, allowing Kelvin Davis to make an easy save.

City began to push forward looking to break the deadlock before half time, and they got the goal with five minutes left on the clock. Tevez slipped the ball past Davis, although replays suggested that the striker was offside.

The hosts continued to attack at the end of the half as Southampton struggled to get out of their half, but they couldn't find another goal as the sides went into the interval at 1-0.