Dream Training : The Champions

Both teams played openly, although Southampton was mostly attacked, but Southampton also didn't play passively, they actively tried to attack Manchester City. Southampton's active behavior made Manchester City coach Robert Mancini feel happy, it's easier to play against an open-played club than against a defensive club. Of course, he thought like that because he was confident in the club that he coaches. In terms of attack and defense, Mancini thought Manchester City was better than Southampton.

Mancini's words were true, Manchester City was indeed more dominating than Southampton. However, Southampton was more efficient than Manchester City. The reason was simple, Kazuki was better than Dzeko. Dzeko's Premier League goals last season were just 15 goals, and he has played more games than Kazuki.

This was evident in the 24th minute, Southampton, who counterattacked quickly moved towards the Manchester City defense. Rudolf who brought the ball immediately sent a pass to Ryan. Nasri again tried to annoy Ryan, but this time Ryan was more clever, he avoided Nasri by using a marseille turn and then sent a pass to Kounde.

Zabaleta immediately made a tackle to bring down Kounde, but the left-winger still managed to hold on, he quickly caught up with the bounced ball and then crossed it into the center of the box. Kazuki ran to the left to receive the ball from Kounde, after that he used a whiplash turn to pass Kompany and dribbled the ball to the right, after which he shot the ball strongly into the right corner of the goalpost. Joe Hart jumped and tried to reach the ball, but he failed.

Kazuki didn't wait, and he immediately ran to the sidelines, he slid on his knees while bending his arms. The cheers of Southampton fans filled the stadium, they were delighted to see Southampton score their first Premier League goal of the season.

"Goaaaalll! Kazuki's first goal came so fast. He shows the exact reason why people think that Kazuki is the most deserving of the golden boy of 2012."

This goal left Mancini speechless, he did not expect in an openly battle, Southampton actually scored faster. Even though the opportunity was not too fatal, but Kazuki's ability and movement were so beautiful that he was able to convert the opportunity into a goal. In contrast to Mancini, George Eastgate looked happy, he hugged his assistant and excitedly celebrated Kazuki's goal.

After the celebration ended, the match resumed. Manchester City starts kick-off. Edin Dzeko gave the ball to David Silva, Silva then returned it. After that, Dzeko sent the ball to the City backline.

Both teams were still playing openly, just as before. But this time, city was increasingly eager to break into Southampton's goalpost. They were more aggressive than usual. Both City fullbacks also stepped up to confine Southampton in their defense. The Cityzen controlled the ball in the Southampton defense area.

Even so, they were still patiently waiting for the right moment to attack Southampton's goalpost. Meanwhile, they were still playing with the ball. In the 31st minute, David Silva, Nasri, and also Milner formed a triangular pass, Silva managed to send a through ball to Nasri who had been running into the penalty box. Hilton tried to block Nasri's path to pass to Dzeko. So Nasri returned the ball to David Silva. Silva then gave the ball to Dzeko.

Edin Dzeko back face the goalpost, so he adjusted his position and did an overhead kick. He managed to kick the ball with a strong but the result the ball deviated from the target. Manchester City just missed the opportunity. Edin Dzeko looked to apologize to Silva.

When Manchester City kept wasting good chances. Southampton again launched a counterattack in the 37th minute, Freddy who managed to snatch the ball from Milner dribbled the ball quickly. He then sent the pass to Rudolf. Rudolf pulled the ball back and avoided David Silva, he then gave the ball to Simone. The Southampton captain bounced the ball to Benson, who did overlap.

Yaya Toure made a tackle and brought down Benson. The referee blew the whistle and awarded Southampton a free-kick. Manchester City managed to break Southampton's counterattack. The free-kick was taken by Okhalo, while another Southampton player stepped up to attack.

Okhalo gave a long pass forward, Kazuki returned the ball back by heading it. His position is a bit far from the goalpost, so he doesn't force himself to head towards the net. Ryan received the bouncing ball from Kazuki with his chest and gave a pass to Simone, then Ryan ran into the penalty box. Simone returned the ball to Ryan.

Nasri followed Ryan's movement, so the Southampton youngster gave the ball back with his heel. Benson popped up, he went all the way up and into the box. Benson received the ball from Ryan and sent a cross to the right. Rustan volleyed the ball, but David Silva blocked it with his body. The ball bounced off the field.

In the 40th minute, Manchester City did a fast break. When the ball was stolen from Kounde's feet by Zabaleta, Manchester City immediately counterattacked quickly. Zabaleta sent the ball to Yaya Toure's feet. Yaya Toure passed Ryan, who tried to stop him. After that, he gave the ball to David Silva. Rudolf attacked David Silva, he stretched out his leg to intercept Silva. However, the Spaniard transferred the ball from his right foot to his left, then tilted his body and passed Rudolf. The movement looks very agile.

Silva then gave a long pass to the right. Aguero received the ball and did a diagonal dribble towards the center. Dzeko signaled for a pass, but Aguero opted to dribble the ball into the middle and shoot powerfully into the left corner. Dean Smith jumped in and made a save. The ball bounced in front of the goalmouth. Dzeko happened to be there, he kicked the ball too hard, so the ball flew over the goal.

In front of the fallen goalkeeper, Dzeko missed a good chance instead. Dzeko who knew his stupid act immediately crouched down and held his head. He was surprised that he missed such a good opportunity. Aguero stare at Dzeko with a cynical eye from a distance, none of the Manchester City players were encouraged Dzeko.

Dean Smith patted Dzeko on the shoulder and said, "You're just out of luck."

Seeing the opposing goalkeeper cheer him on made Dzeko feel sad, how could a striker like himself allow the opposing goalkeeper to comfort him. Dzeko immediately got up as if nothing had happened.

The match continued, at the end of the first half, Southampton again created opportunities. However, it was a shame that Kazuki's kick this time was too weak for Joe Hart to catch it easily. Until the end of the first half, both teams were unable to change the score. Southampton had a 1-0 lead over Manchester City.. The first half ended with Southampton leading.