Manchester City claim Salzburg scalp

Goals in either half from David Silva and Jô ensured Manchester City FC took all three points in their opening UEFA Europa League encounter at FC Salzburg.

Silva's opener was his first for the English club, who were matched in the large part by the Austrian titleholders until Jô doubled the advantage in the second half. The victory means Roberto Mancini's side take an early lead in the Group A table after Juventus, their next opponents, were held at home by KKS Lech Poznań in the section's other fixture.

City just about edged the early exchanges and duly took an eighth-minute lead when Jô laid Wayne Bridge's low cross back to Silva. The Spain winger did the rest, beating Gerhard Tremmel with a confident low finish. Salzburg responded with some promising passing moves, though it took until the 31st minute to conjure their first strike on target, captain Ibrahim Sekagya almost catching out Joe Hart with a volley that bounced off the turf and looped onto the bar.

At the other end Carlos Tévez tested Tremmel at his near post, before teeing up Silva for what should have been a simple finish shortly before half-time, but his strike was expertly repelled by Tremmel. After the restart it was clear Salzburg sensed they could salvage something from the match, Nikola Pokrivač shaving the upright with a stinging drive following an indirect free-kick.

However, those hopes were dashed just after the hour when Tévez's shot was parried by Tremmel, Jô sweeping in for a simple second for City. The home side almost got themselves back into the match immediately afterwards, but Franz Schiemer failed to get a touch on Jakob Jantscher's driven cross from the left.