Manchester City against Swansea City

Milner takes it. He drives low and Vorm gets his body behind it. Aguero looks on, horrified it didn't go in.

Vorm saves again. Meanwhile, free-kick to City nice and central, 20 yards out...

Clichy has a mistake in him. That much is true.

City push the ball around smartly but the move fails to result in a goal as Toure swipes at thin air.

It'll be easy to look at this scoreline and think Swansea will struggle this campaign, but they can take much heart from their display. They will pick up points in the games to come.

Hart prevents a corner via some nifty footwork. GET HIM UP FRONT.

A stat from OptaJoe via <i>Twitter</i>: 11 - Michel Vorm has already made more saves tonight than any player managed in a Premier League game last season (10). Blinder

Sweet little backheel from Aguero almost feeds Dzeko. This boy will bring much entertainment to the Premier League this season.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lita comes on for Nathan Dyer. City bring on Milner for the excellent Silva.

Revelation of the night: Aguero and Silva are very good players.

Richards leaps to nod away the delivery. The attendance, meanwhile, is 46,802.

Free-kick to Swansea in a promising area...

Oh, it's a lovely save. Toure lashes the teed-off effort at goal. It was low and skimming. It got a deflection but Vorm was there, down low to stop. That's how you do it, De Gea (harsh?).

Pass back. City have a free-kick just inside of Swansea's box. Indirect, though.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Johnson is replaced by Savic as Mancini looks to batten down the hatches. Banter.

Savic about to enter the fray, another summer signing.

Some contention over whether the ball had run out of play when Aguero hooked it back into play. Replays iffy.

Aguero dashed in on goal, and appeared to over-cook his touch. But he scampers and flicks the ball back in play, with Vorm in no man's land. Silva side-foots into the roof of the net. Game over (bold prediction).

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Silva scores for Manchester City! It's 3-0 to the home side now!</b>

Routeledge has a pop from the edge of the box after a corner was cleared. He skews the volley off target.

Really good attacking move. Dzeko slides in the marauding Richards, who crosses low to the back post. Aguero pounces, knocking in. Debut goal. The home fans are delighted.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Aguero scores for Manchester City!!!</b>

If the scoreline finishes this way, this will be the first home win of the new Premier League season.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0815/edindzekoteamceleb20110815_275x155.jpg"><br>Edin Dzeko celebrates his goal

City do indeed clear.

Now a corner for Swansea after the free-kick was sloppily dealt with.

Sinclair buys a free-kick. Nice position, out on the left flank.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Routledge and Allen on for Dobbie and Britton.

Woah. Shots for Manchester City: 22. Swansea: 2.

Aguero is playing just off Dzeko.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0815/sergioaguerobench20110815_275x155.jpg"><br>Sergio Aguero came on from the bench

Almost an incredible introduction. Aguero swivels and bangs one at goal. Vorm makes a wicked save, and Toure hits the rebound at goal from only a few yards out, but Vorm is there again. Offside - what a second save regardless.

Swansea float in a free-kick but City clear easily. City are a big side.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Aguero is coming on! The Argentine replaces De Jong. An attacking sub by Mancini. Wow.

Silva does really well in the centre of the park, bringing the ball forward. He rolls a pass to Johnson, who curls a shot goalwards. Vorm saves but cannot keep hold of the ball as the rebound falls to Dzeko who stabs home from close range into an empty net. Good poacher's goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Dzeko scores for City!!!</b>

Swansea easing the pressure with some possession but a final ball is lacking as City win a goal kick.

Nice ping from Agustien but the pass is a little heavy for Dyer to latch onto.

Dobbie got greedy. Swansea surge forward in numbers, and Dobbie should slide the ball to a team-mate, but he opts to shoot and Hart springs to his left to save with relative ease.

Another fine save from Vorm as Toure's deflected cross causes problems. Vorm gets down well to gather.

Dzeko is clean through but the flag is rightly up for offside.

Toure was just entirely unmarked. City couldn't find him though. Swansea's defence looking exposed.

Swansea defend the corner. Sinclair then puts on the after-burners and bursts past De Jong, but he is so fast that no-one is up in support and his cross finds Hart.

Corner to City.

De Jong just put a hand in Sinclair's face, flooring the forward in the process. Wasn't malicious, was entertaining.

Aguero update: He is putting tape on his leg area. Could be coming on soon! Maybe. Possibly.

<b>Kick-off: Manchester City get the second period started.</b>

Dave Katz: "any indication balotelli might see playing time? My fantasy team is in peril here!" Mine too, Dave!

Chris Harris: "does it look as bad for Swansea as your comments suggest? Are they even bringing the ball forward at all?" They have been far from bad, Chris. They have looked to venture forwards but have perhaps lacked the bodies.

Errean Smith wonders: "u expect aguero after the half or after the 60th min?" Well, Errean, I would imagine he will play some role. Sooner the better, in my opinion, because he is ruddy excellent.

Did you know that Adam Digby has discovered there are many similarities between Udinese and opponents Arsenal? You haven't? <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/944043/udinese's-francesco-guidolin-follows-arsenal-model">Click this way</a>. The pair meet tomorrow, of course, and we will be bringing you live commentary on the match, just like in this one.

Dan Higgs via <i>Twitter</i>: "The Clichy remarks are hilarious. Thanks for that." Oh, you charmer.

Thoughts to <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/JamesDallESPN">@JamesDallESPN</a>

Goalless at the break. Swansea kept the ball really well but failed to create a clear goalscoring chance when on top. Then City upped the ante, and pushed on. Silva and Barry saw shots hit the crossbar while Swansea goalkeeper Vorm was inspired.

<b>Half-time. Manchester City 0 Swansea 0.</b>

Woodwork! Again! Barry lashes an effort from 20 yards out. Vorm dives but can't get near it as the ball cracks off the crossbar.

One minute of added time will be played. Corner to City.

Top save! Dzeko beats his man and looks set to pull the trigger, only to be denied by the spread-eagled Vorm.

City tease the ball to the edge of the box and Toure has a snap shot. But the effort is central and Vorm plucks the ball out of the air.

Dzeko controls, just about, on the edge of the area then hits a tepid shot at goal. Vorm collects. Easy peasy.

Mancini gesticulates with one hand from the bench, slumped in his chair. Someone get that man a cognac. Would fit his stance marvellously.

Is Toure made of marble? Players just seem to bounce off him.

BANG goes Kompany's sliding challenge. It was a whopper.

Ooo! What a powerful run from Toure, like a steam train. He hammers at goal and Vorm is forced to tip wide of the post. Then, Silva has a half-chance, but he clips it over the bar.

Johnson jinks his way down the right and fizzes in a cross which stings the palms of Vorm.

Dyer goes scampering down the right flank but he can't quite reach the searching ball, which skips off the surface and runs out.

Another dangerous cross from Clichy (what is going on?!) and Swansea awkwardly hack away.

Super singing coming from the pocket of Swansea fans. They are enjoying their evening so far.

Aguero receives a fine reception as he jogs down the touchline.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0815/davidsilva20110815_275x155.jpg"><br>David Silva tangles with Nathan Dyer

But Swansea stand up the short corner well and it is out for a goal kick.

Corner to City after Dzeko wriggles clear of two men.

Crossbar! Slick passing from City sees Johnson lay a pass back for Silva, who angles a shot at goal. It beats the keeper but smacks off the crossbar.

Toure has a pop from distance but it is very tame. Vorm claims easily.

Better kick from Vorm this time gets the ball well away. City much better now.

Dangerous corner too, but under pressure the header at goal lacks power and Vorm scoops up.

Corner to City...

Another naff kick from Vorm sees the ball slice out for a throw-in.

Dezko just thumped a shot from close range and the ball appeared to hit a hand. Nothing doing from the referee though. Pressure increasing.

Now cries for a penalty! Not given...

What a save! City work a short corner really well before Silva lashes a left-footed effort at the top corner. Vorm stretches and parries wide in acrobatic style.

Corner to Manchester City.

City now enjoying some of the ball but Swansea doing their best to restrict space.

Stupid flick from from Toure sees an attack break down. He should have turned and ran at goal. No shout from a team-mate, maybe.

Swansea's play has sucked all the buoyancy out of the home fans.

City are happy to watch Swansea play the ball about at the back. Not too much pressing from the home side.

I hope this commentary isn't coming across sarcastic/patronising, because I must stress there is no such tone. Swansea have been excellent.

FYI, that was a decent cross by Clichy, his first in many years.

Swansea enjoy much of the ball then City surge forward as Clichy's cross is nipped away from the awaiting Dzeko.

Lescott nods out of play under pressure from the energetic Graham.

No possession stats as yet, but Swansea surely way ahead.

Dobbie has a chance to let fly and he duly obliges. But the effort is wayward, zooming over the bar.

Leon Britton is 5' 5" tall.

Swansea by far the better side in this opening 10 minutes.

Vital header from Kompany to cut the ball out as Graham lurked.

They play it short then curl one in. Poor attempted header as Hart catches and eases pressure.

Corner to Swansea.

Really good triangles of passing from Swansea.

Man mountain of a header from Richards just then. Travelled about 35 yards.

Kompany is stretched as he is forced to hack out a low cross. Really promising start from the new boys.

Swansea press forward but Kompany mops up at the back. Solid defending there.

Swansea in possession. Enjoying it, too.

Gael Clichy makes his first start for City of course. Just did some pointing.

Yaya Toure slams a shot at goal and some fine defending blocks the strike. Bright start from City, with Silva involved, as one would expect.

Slightly hairy opening from goalkeeper Vorm who slices his kick out for a throw-in.

<b>Kick-off: Swansea get the game under way.</b>

Stat attack! Swansea have lost their last five opening day fixtures.

Swansea players enter the tunnel. Their faces look a little sheepish. Understandably so.

Atmosphere building nicely. The travelling support from Wales look well up for this one.

Gary Neville is co-presenting the pre-match coverage for this game. He's been decent thus far.

Barry AND De Jong tonight. Really, Mancini?

Television coverage currently pinpointing threat of David Silva. The Spaniard's a cracking player, he really is. Expect him to be the dangerman tonight.

The Manchester City players are sporting "I heart MCR" T-shirts during their warm-up. Balotelli has scrawled "City" underneath the MCR bit. Cheeky.

From a betting perspective, you can get 9/1 on a Swansea win.

This match of course marks Swansea's Premier League debut. It's a baptism of fire, all right. Their chances?

So, one up top for City, against a newly-promoted side, at home. Mancini negative? Naaah.

Brandon has got in touch via <i>Twitter</i>, predicting that Manchester City will thump their opponents Swansea 3-0.

Be sure to get your pre-match musings off your chest by tweeting <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/JamesDallESPN">@JamesDallESPN</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0807/edindzekogoalceleb_275x155.jpg"> <br>Dzeko starts up top on his own for City, with Johnson and Silva supporting.

<b>Early Manchester City team news:</b> Balotelli, Tevez and Aguero all miss out. Dzeko starts up front on his own.

Join <i>ESPNsoccernet</i> from 1945 BST for live commentary of Manchester City's Premier League clash against Swansea City, which kicks off at 2000 BST.

Savic about to enter the fray, another summer signing.

Some contention over whether the ball had run out of play when Aguero hooked it back into play. Replays iffy.

Aguero dashed in on goal, and appeared to over-cook his touch. But he scampers and flicks the ball back in play, with Vorm in no man's land. Silva side-foots into the roof of the net. Game over (bold prediction).

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Silva scores for Manchester City! It's 3-0 to the home side now!</b>

Routeledge has a pop from the edge of the box after a corner was cleared. He skews the volley off target.

Really good attacking move. Dzeko slides in the marauding Richards, who crosses low to the back post. Aguero pounces, knocking in. Debut goal. The home fans are delighted.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Aguero scores for Manchester City!!!</b>

If the scoreline finishes this way, this will be the first home win of the new Premier League season.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0815/edindzekoteamceleb20110815_275x155.jpg"><br>Edin Dzeko celebrates his goal

City do indeed clear.

Now a corner for Swansea after the free-kick was sloppily dealt with.

Sinclair buys a free-kick. Nice position, out on the left flank.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Routledge and Allen on for Dobbie and Britton.

Woah. Shots for Manchester City: 22. Swansea: 2.

Aguero is playing just off Dzeko.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0815/sergioaguerobench20110815_275x155.jpg"><br>Sergio Aguero came on from the bench

Almost an incredible introduction. Aguero swivels and bangs one at goal. Vorm makes a wicked save, and Toure hits the rebound at goal from only a few yards out, but Vorm is there again. Offside - what a second save regardless.

Swansea float in a free-kick but City clear easily. City are a big side.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Aguero is coming on! The Argentine replaces De Jong. An attacking sub by Mancini. Wow.

Silva does really well in the centre of the park, bringing the ball forward. He rolls a pass to Johnson, who curls a shot goalwards. Vorm saves but cannot keep hold of the ball as the rebound falls to Dzeko who stabs home from close range into an empty net. Good poacher's goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> <b>Dzeko scores for City!!!</b>

Swansea easing the pressure with some possession but a final ball is lacking as City win a goal kick.

Nice ping from Agustien but the pass is a little heavy for Dyer to latch onto.

Dobbie got greedy. Swansea surge forward in numbers, and Dobbie should slide the ball to a team-mate, but he opts to shoot and Hart springs to his left to save with relative ease.

Another fine save from Vorm as Toure's deflected cross causes problems. Vorm gets down well to gather.

Dzeko is clean through but the flag is rightly up for offside.

Toure was just entirely unmarked. City couldn't find him though. Swansea's defence looking exposed.

Swansea defend the corner. Sinclair then puts on the after-burners and bursts past De Jong, but he is so fast that no-one is up in support and his cross finds Hart.

Corner to City.

De Jong just put a hand in Sinclair's face, flooring the forward in the process. Wasn't malicious, was entertaining.

Aguero update: He is putting tape on his leg area. Could be coming on soon! Maybe. Possibly.

<b>Kick-off: Manchester City get the second period started.</b>

Dave Katz: "any indication balotelli might see playing time? My fantasy team is in peril here!" Mine too, Dave!

Chris Harris: "does it look as bad for Swansea as your comments suggest? Are they even bringing the ball forward at all?" They have been far from bad, Chris. They have looked to venture forwards but have perhaps lacked the bodies.

Errean Smith wonders: "u expect aguero after the half or after the 60th min?" Well, Errean, I would imagine he will play some role. Sooner the better, in my opinion, because he is ruddy excellent.

Did you know that Adam Digby has discovered there are many similarities between Udinese and opponents Arsenal? You haven't? <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/944043/udinese's-francesco-guidolin-follows-arsenal-model">Click this way</a>. The pair meet tomorrow, of course, and we will be bringing you live commentary on the match, just like in this one.

Dan Higgs via <i>Twitter</i>: "The Clichy remarks are hilarious. Thanks for that." Oh, you charmer.

Thoughts to <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/JamesDallESPN">@JamesDallESPN</a>

Goalless at the break. Swansea kept the ball really well but failed to create a clear goalscoring chance when on top. Then City upped the ante, and pushed on. Silva and Barry saw shots hit the crossbar while Swansea goalkeeper Vorm was inspired.

<b>Half-time. Manchester City 0 Swansea 0.</b>

Woodwork! Again! Barry lashes an effort from 20 yards out. Vorm dives but can't get near it as the ball cracks off the crossbar.

One minute of added time will be played. Corner to City.

Top save! Dzeko beats his man and looks set to pull the trigger, only to be denied by the spread-eagled Vorm.

City tease the ball to the edge of the box and Toure has a snap shot. But the effort is central and Vorm plucks the ball out of the air.

Dzeko controls, just about, on the edge of the area then hits a tepid shot at goal. Vorm collects. Easy peasy.

Mancini gesticulates with one hand from the bench, slumped in his chair. Someone get that man a cognac. Would fit his stance marvellously.

Is Toure made of marble? Players just seem to bounce off him.

BANG goes Kompany's sliding challenge. It was a whopper.

Ooo! What a powerful run from Toure, like a steam train. He hammers at goal and Vorm is forced to tip wide of the post. Then, Silva has a half-chance, but he clips it over the bar.

Johnson jinks his way down the right and fizzes in a cross which stings the palms of Vorm.

Dyer goes scampering down the right flank but he can't quite reach the searching ball, which skips off the surface and runs out.

Another dangerous cross from Clichy (what is going on?!) and Swansea awkwardly hack away.

Super singing coming from the pocket of Swansea fans. They are enjoying their evening so far.

Aguero receives a fine reception as he jogs down the touchline.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0815/davidsilva20110815_275x155.jpg"><br>David Silva tangles with Nathan Dyer

But Swansea stand up the short corner well and it is out for a goal kick.

Corner to City after Dzeko wriggles clear of two men.

Crossbar! Slick passing from City sees Johnson lay a pass back for Silva, who angles a shot at goal. It beats the keeper but smacks off the crossbar.

Toure has a pop from distance but it is very tame. Vorm claims easily.

Better kick from Vorm this time gets the ball well away. City much better now.

Dangerous corner too, but under pressure the header at goal lacks power and Vorm scoops up.

Corner to City...

Another naff kick from Vorm sees the ball slice out for a throw-in.

Dezko just thumped a shot from close range and the ball appeared to hit a hand. Nothing doing from the referee though. Pressure increasing.

Now cries for a penalty! Not given...

What a save! City work a short corner really well before Silva lashes a left-footed effort at the top corner. Vorm stretches and parries wide in acrobatic style.

Corner to Manchester City.

City now enjoying some of the ball but Swansea doing their best to restrict space.

Stupid flick from from Toure sees an attack break down. He should have turned and ran at goal. No shout from a team-mate, maybe.

Swansea's play has sucked all the buoyancy out of the home fans.

City are happy to watch Swansea play the ball about at the back. Not too much pressing from the home side.

I hope this commentary isn't coming across sarcastic/patronising, because I must stress there is no such tone. Swansea have been excellent.

FYI, that was a decent cross by Clichy, his first in many years.

Swansea enjoy much of the ball then City surge forward as Clichy's cross is nipped away from the awaiting Dzeko.

Lescott nods out of play under pressure from the energetic Graham.

No possession stats as yet, but Swansea surely way ahead.

Dobbie has a chance to let fly and he duly obliges. But the effort is wayward, zooming over the bar.

Leon Britton is 5' 5" tall.

Swansea by far the better side in this opening 10 minutes.

Vital header from Kompany to cut the ball out as Graham lurked.

They play it short then curl one in. Poor attempted header as Hart catches and eases pressure.

Corner to Swansea.

Really good triangles of passing from Swansea.

Man mountain of a header from Richards just then. Travelled about 35 yards.

Kompany is stretched as he is forced to hack out a low cross. Really promising start from the new boys.

Swansea press forward but Kompany mops up at the back. Solid defending there.

Swansea in possession. Enjoying it, too.

Gael Clichy makes his first start for City of course. Just did some pointing.

Yaya Toure slams a shot at goal and some fine defending blocks the strike. Bright start from City, with Silva involved, as one would expect.

Slightly hairy opening from goalkeeper Vorm who slices his kick out for a throw-in.

<b>Kick-off: Swansea get the game under way.</b>

Stat attack! Swansea have lost their last five opening day fixtures.

Swansea players enter the tunnel. Their faces look a little sheepish. Understandably so.

Atmosphere building nicely. The travelling support from Wales look well up for this one.

Gary Neville is co-presenting the pre-match coverage for this game. He's been decent thus far.

Barry AND De Jong tonight. Really, Mancini?

Television coverage currently pinpointing threat of David Silva. The Spaniard's a cracking player, he really is. Expect him to be the dangerman tonight.

The Manchester City players are sporting "I heart MCR" T-shirts during their warm-up. Balotelli has scrawled "City" underneath the MCR bit. Cheeky.

From a betting perspective, you can get 9/1 on a Swansea win.

This match of course marks Swansea's Premier League debut. It's a baptism of fire, all right. Their chances?

So, one up top for City, against a newly-promoted side, at home. Mancini negative? Naaah.

Brandon has got in touch via <i>Twitter</i>, predicting that Manchester City will thump their opponents Swansea 3-0.

Be sure to get your pre-match musings off your chest by tweeting <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/JamesDallESPN">@JamesDallESPN</a>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0807/edindzekogoalceleb_275x155.jpg"> <br>Dzeko starts up top on his own for City, with Johnson and Silva supporting.

<b>Early Manchester City team news:</b> Balotelli, Tevez and Aguero all miss out. Dzeko starts up front on his own.

Join <i>ESPNsoccernet</i> from 1945 BST for live commentary of Manchester City's Premier League clash against Swansea City, which kicks off at 2000 BST.