Georgios Samaras' solitary goal gave Manchester City a 1-0 win over Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua and left manager Stuart Pearce satisfied with his team's battling display.

Samaras latched on to a perfectly placed pass by new signing Bernardo Corradi 10 minutes before the half-time break as City emerged victorious from what was a game of mixed fortunes for the Eastlands club.

While Corradi impressed in the opening 45 minutes, City were forced to defend for much of the second period and had to play the final 13 minutes with 10 men after Ben Thatcher was sent off for a second bookable offence.