New-look Liverpool flop against Sunderland

QPR thrashed, Norwich hold Wigan on opening day of the season.

LONDON:

Big-spending Liverpool’s hopes of launching their League season with a victory ended in disappointment as the Reds were held to a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

Liverpool, who have spent more than £100million on rebuilding their squad, looked to be on course after Luis Suarez headed them 1-0 up. Suarez’s opener came after the Uruguayan had missed a penalty after three minutes as  Sunderland mid-fielder Kieron Richardson controversially escaped a red card for his foul on the South American forward.

But as the game wore on, Liverpool faded and Sebastian Larsson levelled with a spectacular volley on 57 minutes.

Bolton thrash Rangers

Meanwhile, Bolton gave newly-promoted QPR a brutal introduction to the top flight with a 4-0 mauling. A dismal afternoon for the Londoners had started when striker DJ Campbell had a goal disallowed for offside early on. It got worse after only five minutes when Kieron Dyer was stretchered off.

Right on half-time Gary Cahill curled in a 25-yard effort to put Bolton 1-0 up before a second-half own-goal from Rangers’ Danny Gabbidon doubled the visitors’ advantage. Late goals from Ivan Klasnic and Fabrice Muamba completed the rout.

Norwich hold Wigan

There was better news for another promoted team as Norwich earned a 1-1 draw at Wigan who took the lead with a penalty on 21 minutes.  Norwich got back level on the stroke of half-time when Wes Hoolahan to rifle in.

At Ewood Park, Wolves beat Blackburn 2-1. Fulham and Aston Villa ground out a 0-0 stalemate at Craven Cottage.





Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2011.