Leeds eased past Manchester City to get Terry Venables' Elland Road career off to an impressive start.

Goals from Nick Barmby, who was superb on his debut, Mark Viduka and substitute Robbie Keane ensured that Leeds coasted to victory.

And the manner of their win suggested they could mount a serious title challenge this season.

A defence devoid of the injured Jonathan Woodgate but featuring the commanding Dominic Matteo, was outstanding.

Paul Robinson, preferred to Nigel Martyn and watched from the stands by England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, dealt comfortably with everything City threw at him.

The trio of Barmby, Lee Bowyer and Eirik Bakke controlled midfield while Harry Kewell looked back to his best on the left side of a three-pronged attack.

This all ensured that Venables easily won the much-hyped battle of the former England managers.

But his counterpart Kevin Keegan will have taken many positives from the game.

Admittedly his side were worryingly vulnerable at the back and keeper Nash had a game he will want to quickly forget - but they created numerous chances.

Indeed, they hit the woodwork twice, first with a venomous 20-yard shot from Sun Jihai and then a clever curler from Eyal Berkovic.

And Nicolas Anelka should have equalised in the first half when he found himself one-on-one with Paul Robinson but he pondered on the ball for too long and allowed Matteo to clear.

In contrast, Leeds gave a masterclass in clinical finishing.

Barmby scored the opener after 15 minutes, getting to a deep cross from Bowyer ahead of City keeper Nash and firing home.

Viduka grabbed the second on the stroke of half-time.

The burly Australian was played clear of a static City defence by the masterful Barmby and coolly slotted past Nash.

Leeds controlled the second half and the result never looked in doubt after the interval.

And Keane, on as a substitute for Viduka, gave the scoreline an even more emphatic appearance with a goal 10 minutes from time.

The Republic of Ireland international found himself with space in the penalty area and sent a superb lob over the head of Nash.

Leeds: Robinson, Mills, Radebe, Matteo, Harte, Bakke, Barmby (Johnson 77), Bowyer, Kewell, Viduka (Keane 70), Smith.
Subs Not Used: Martyn, Kelly, Dacourt.

Booked: Bowyer.

Man City: Nash, Jihai (Huckerby 59), Howey (Dunne 45), Distin, Wright-Phillips, Jensen, Horlock, Foe, Benarbia, Berkovic (Shuker 63), Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Flowers, Goater.

Booked: Jensen.

Attendance: 40,195

Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire).