Liverpool Football Club

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Brendan Rodgers

• Ground:Anfield
• Capacity:45362

Point apiece for Reds and Arsenal

15 Aug 2010 - 18:10:23

Click To Enlarge

Liverpool lost Joe Cole to a red card on his debut as their Premier League opener against Arsenal finished in a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Roy Hodgson's first competitive domestic game as Reds boss looked like being a difficult one after summer signing Cole was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time.

Cole lunged in recklessly on new Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny and referee Martin Atkinson had no hesitation in pulling out a red card for the England international.

But just sixty seconds into the second period, the Reds broke the deadlock through David N'Gog.

Javier Mascherano threaded the ball through to the much-maligned striker and he crashed a rising shot from a tight angle between Manuel Almunia and his near post.

N'Gog has now scored four goals already this season and was cheered off the pitch when replaced late in the game by Fernando Torres.

Arsenal, who were without captain Cesc Fabregas and started with main striker Robin van Persie on the bench, struggled to carve out many clear-cut chances during a frustrating encounter.

However, they were indebted to Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina in stoppage time when he managed to turn the ball into his own net.

Marouane Chamakh's bundled effort bounced back off the upright and the Spain international held his head in his hands as he diverted the loose ball into his own net when attempting to recover.

Koscielny was sent off for a second bookable offence with just seconds remaining, but a slow-burning match which burst into life after half-time ended in stalemate.