Disappointing start for Reds

New-look Liverpool had to settle for a point in their opening match of the season after being held 1-1 at home by Sunderland yesterday.

Luis Suarez blazed a fifth-minute penalty over the bar, but the Uruguayan forward made amends in the 12th when he nodded home a free kick sent over by Charlie Adam, one of four players making their debuts for Liverpool.

Another newcomer, Stewart Downing, cracked a shot against the crossbar and Andy Carroll had a strike ruled out as Liverpool dominated the first half.

However, the Reds paid for the missed chances when Ahmed El Mohamady floated over a cross from the right and Sebastian Larsson met it with an acrobatic volley on the Sunderland midfielder's debut just before the hour mark.

Wolverhampton Wanderers got their league campaign off to a flying start as they came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Ewood Park yesterday,

Steven Fletcher cancelled out Mauro Formica's opener before Stephen Ward made it 2-1 moments after Kevin Doyle's penalty had been saved by Paul Robinson.

Blackburn only avoided relegation on the final day of last season, and it has been a quiet summer on the transfer front.

While promising defender Phil Jones was sold to Manchester United, Serbian international midfielder Radoslav Petrovic and Scotland striker David Goodwillie are the only signings so far, and neither was in the starting lineup here.

Summer recruits Roger Johnson and Jamie O'Hara started for Wolves, as did Kevin Doyle, who had been a pre-match injury doubt.

Blackburn thought they had scored the first goal of the new Premier League season inside the opening 10 minutes, but the officials decided that Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey had got to Junior Hoilett's shot just before it crossed the line.

However, the hosts made the breakthrough on 19 minutes as Formica burst into the box to apply a fine finish after being set up by Jason Roberts.

It was a dream debut for the Argentine, signed from Newell's Old Boys in January, but Wolves were level within 90 seconds thanks to Fletcher's header from a Matt Jarvis cross.

The sides went in level at the interval, but Mick McCarthy's side got off to a dream start to the second half.

First, they won a penalty after Jarvis was brought down by Michel Salgado, only for Paul Robinson to save Doyle's attempt from 12 yards. However, from the rebound, Wolves returned the ball into the box where Ward made it 2-1.

Home manager Steve Kean sent on Goodwillie and young striker Nick Blackman for debuts as they pressed in search of an equaliser, but Wolves held on for an impressive three points.

In other results yesterday, Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers where beaten 4-0 by Bolton and Wigan and Norwich drew 1-1.