E-Paper
Liverpool held by spirited Sunderland
Big-spending Liverpool's hopes of launching their Premier League season with a victory ended in disappointment on Saturday as the new-look Reds were held to a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
Big-spending Liverpool's hopes of launching their Premier League season with a victory ended in disappointment on Saturday as the new-look Reds were held to a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
Liverpool, who have spent more than £100 million on rebuilding their squad since the turn of the year, looked to be on course for all three points after Luis Suarez headed them 1-0 up at Anfield after 12 minutes.
Suarez’s opener came after the Uruguayan international had missed a penalty on three minutes after Sunderland midfielder Kieron Richardson controversially escaped a red card for his foul on the South American forward.
But as the game wore on, Liverpool faded — with £20 million signing Jordan Henderson particularly disappointing — and Swedish international Sebastian Larsson levelled for the visitors with a spectacular volley on 57 min. In other opening round games on Saturday, Bolton beat newly promoted QPR a 4-0 at Loftus Road.
‘Deal not done yet’
Madrid: Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola insisted Saturday that negotiations are still ongoing concerning the signing of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. Several British and Spanish newspaper had reported that Arsenal had agreed a transfer deal But Guardiola said: “He’s not here yet.”
