Larsson equalizer denies Liverpool three points

Liverpool, England – A brilliant side volley from 1 draw Saturday at Anfield.

Luis Suarez put Liverpool in front in the 11th minute, but Larsson's strike on the other side of halftime secured a point for his new club.

The biggest talking point of the match came in the 6th minute when Kieran Richardson brought down Suarez in the box. The referee only produced a yellow card, drawing protests from Liverpool players who thought that Richardson should have seen red for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.

Suarez took the ensuing penalty kick, but blasted his effort over the bar to keep the match scoreless.

The Uruguayan made amends for the miss just minutes later, as he flicked a Charlie Adam set-piece past Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for the first goal of Liverpool's season.

Despite controlling much of the match, Liverpool surrendered the lead in the 57th minute after a brilliant strike from Larsson.

A cross played to the back post found an unmarked Larsson who acrobatically side-volleyed a shot back across goal and past Pepe Reina.

While a point at Anfield is great result, the only sour note of the match for Sunderland came when striker Asamoah Gyan limped off halfway through the second half.

Newcastle 0, Arsenal 0

London, England - Newcastle United and Arsenal played to a 0-0 draw at St James' Park on Saturday in a match overshadowed by controversy.

Arsenal's biggest offseason addition, Gervinho, was sent off in the 76th minute after a scuffle with Joey Barton.

Gervinho appeared to raise his hand into Barton's face and the Newcastle midfielder immediately went to ground, drawing complaints from the Arsenal players who condemned Barton for his embellishment. Gervinho saw red, but Barton escaped with only a yellow for his part in the scuffle.

The match was void of many chances, as Arsenal only recorded two shots on goal while Newcastle managed just one.

Fulham 0, Aston Villa 0

London, England - Aston Villa's new squad failed to produce results in its first match of the new season, as the club tied Fulham 0-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

After losing Stewart Downing to Liverpool and Ashley Young to Manchester United, Aston Villa has experienced somewhat of a squad overhaul during the summer.

The match marked debuts for Charles N'Zogbia and goalkeeper Shay Given, making their first appearances for Villa.

Fulham experienced side featured the same old faces and that continuity and chemistry showed.

But despite all its possession, Fulham could not muster a goal as Given was flawless in stopping five shots on goal to preserve his shutout.

Wolverhampton 2, Blackburn 1

Blackburn, England - Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1 on Saturday in a rematch of the final game of last season.

Blackburn won that match 3-2, but Wolves were able to win the rematch and begin the new season with three points.

Mauro Formica put Blackburn out in front with his 20th minute strike, but Steven Fletcher immediately equalized a minute later to keep Wolves in the game.

Wolves earned a penalty to the second half, but Kevin Doyle could not convert. Stephen Ward was able to score from the rebound to secure all three points for Wolverhampton.

Bolton 4, Queens Park Rangers 0

London, England - Bolton Wanderers earned a convincing win to start the new campaign, defeating newly promoted Queens Park Rangers 4-0 Saturday at Loftus Road.

Gary Cahill put Bolton in front just before halftime, but it was Daniel Gabbidon's own goal in the 67th minute that opened the floodgates.

Ivan Klasnic tallied Bolton's third three minutes later before Fabrice Muamba wrapped up the scoring in the 79th minute. The 4-0 score puts Bolton on top of the Premier League table on goal differential.

Wigan 1, Norwich City 1

Wigan, England - Wigan Athletic and newly promoted Norwich City played to a 1-1 draw Saturday to open their new seasons with a point.

Ben Watson converted a 20th minute penalty to put Wigan in front, but Wesley Hoolahan brought Norwich level just before halftime.