Liverpool held in season opener
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC were pegged back as the new English season kicked off with both of the UEFA Champions League hopefuls featuring in 1-1 draws.
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The home team took the lead shortly after half-time when Rob Hulse rose unmarked to score with a diving header from a free-kick on the left flank. Liverpool, who travel to Kiev to face Israel's Maccabi Haifa FC in UEFA Champions League qualifying on Tuesday, equalised on 69 minutes when Robbie Fowler converted a penalty after Steven Gerrard was fouled. Injuries to John Arne Riise and Jamie Carragher look set to disrupt Liverpool's defensive plans against Maccabi, when the Reds will be protecting a 2-1 lead from the first leg.
New stadium
Fellow UEFA Champions League hopefuls Arsenal FC kicked-off their campaign at their new home with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa FC. Villa took the lead through Olof Mellberg's header from a corner in the 53rd minute but Gilberto rescued a point for Arsenal seven minutes from the end when he shot into the top corner following Theo Walcott's cross. Last season's UEFA Cup runners-up Middlesbrough FC had a disappointing start under new manager Gareth Southgate as Reading FC enjoyed a fantastic comeback in their first-ever match in England's top division. Boro took a two-goal lead through Stewart Downing and Yakubu only to see Reading hit back through Dave Kitson, Steve Sidwell and Leroy Lita to win 3-2.
Hammers rally
West Ham United FC came from behind to defeat fellow London club Charlton Athletic FC after trailing through Darren Bent's penalty. Two strikes by Bobby Zamora and a late effort by Carlton Cole brought the Hammers a 3-1 home victory. Another UEFA Cup challenger, Blackburn Rovers FC, had Lucas Neil and Andy Todd sent off as they went down 3-0 at Portsmouth FC, for whom Nigerian striker Kanu scored twice and missed a penalty on his debut. Everton FC's new signing Andy Johnson opened the scoring in a 2-1 win over Watford FC, while Shola Ameobi scored the winner as Newcastle United FC beat Wigan Athletic FC 2-1.Finally, Tottenham Hotspur went down 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers FC, with early goals coming from Kevin Davies and Ivan Campo's superb strike from 35 metres.
