Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was satisfied with their 1-1 draw at Stoke City.

Javi Garcia marked his City debut by equalising with a free header after 35 minutes and the Spain midfielder went close to snatching a last-minute winner.

Garcia was again unmarked, this time at a corner, as he powered a header towards the bottom corner but Asmir Begovic did brilliantly to tip his effort onto the post.

There was still time for substitute Edin Dzeko to lob Begovic in injury time but Ryan Shawcross got back to make a superb clearance off the line.

Mancini said: "Here it is always difficult, not only for us but all the teams.

"We had two incredible chances at the end of the game and we were unlucky. It is a difficult pitch for us.

"I think that Garcia scored an important goal and he had another chance.

"He played well. Like Maicon, it was the first game for them and I think both players did a good performance.

"They don't know their team-mates yet and for a first game they did well."