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Liverpool beaten on opening day, Arsenal draw

August 18, 2012 22:17 IST

Brendan Rodgers endured a sorry Premier League start as Liverpool boss with a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season on Saturday while Arsenal, without Robin van Persie, were held 0-0 by Sunderland.

A Zoltan Gera cracker, Peter Odemwingie's penalty after Daniel Agger had been sent off, and Romelu Lukaku's header left former Swansea City manager Rodgers frustrated as Liverpool fans sang the name of sacked predecessor Kenny Dalglish.

Zoltan Gera Swansea showed they have got over the loss of Rodgers as Michael Laudrup's new side thumped Queens Park Rangers 5-0 away with Spanish close-season signing Michu scoring twice.

Mladen Petric also enjoyed a dream debut with a brace in Fulham's 5-0 home triumph over Norwich City while West Ham United's return to the top flight was marked by a 1-0 win over Aston Villa as fellow new boys Reading drew 1-1 with Stoke City.

Newcastle United host Andre-Villas Boas and Tottenham Hotspur later (1630 GMT) with champions Manchester City hosting Southampton on Sunday when Chelsea go to Wigan Athletic.

Manchester United and Van Persie travel to Everton on Monday.

Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Source: REUTERS
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