Liverpool and Man City with easy wins in Europe

Cole's early strike was his first for Liverpool since joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer.  Cristian Tanase equalised in the 13th minute but David Ngog scored twice and substitute Lucas hit the other to ensure manager Roy Hodgson's decision to leave out Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard did not backfire.

"It's important you make decisions and make them for the right reasons," said Hodgson, who made a total of eight changes from the team which drew 0-0 with Birmingham at the weekend.  "I had no doubt that, given the fact we have so many players who play international football, this was the moment to give them a rest and allow them to prepare properly for Sunday's game (against Manchester United)."

Roberto Mancini's expensively-assembled Manchester City won 2-0 at Red Bull Salzburg while mighty Juventus were held to a 3-3 draw at home by unfashionable Polish side Lech Poznan.   David Silva grabbed his first goal for Manchester City since his 30 million euro move from Valencia as Mancini's team took the lead in Austria after just eight minutes.  The goal was set up by Brazilian striker Jo, who went on to score the second in the 63rd minute after Salzburg keeper Gerhard Tremmel failed to hold a 20-metre drive from Carlos Tevez.

City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany said he knew Silva would quickly open his goal account.  "He is an amazing player - and like every foreign player he needs time to settle in the Premier League," said Kompany.  "We've seen in training he's an amazing player, he'll be very important for us at times this season."