Liverpool beaten on opening day, Arsenal draw

LONDON - Brendan Rodgers endured a sorry Premier League start as Liverpool boss with a 3-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season on Saturday while Arsenal, without Robin van Persie, were held 0-0 by Sunderland.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich, central England, August 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

A Zoltan Gera cracker, Peter Odemwingie's penalty after Daniel Agger had been sent off, and Romelu Lukaku's header left former Swansea City manager Rodgers frustrated as Liverpool fans sang the name of sacked predecessor Kenny Dalglish.

Swansea showed they have got over the loss of Rodgers as Michael Laudrup's new side thumped Queens Park Rangers 5-0 away with Spanish close-season signing Michu scoring twice.

Mladen Petric also enjoyed a dream debut with a brace in Fulham's 5-0 home triumph over Norwich City while West Ham United's return to the top flight was marked by a 1-0 win over Aston Villa as fellow new boys Reading drew 1-1 with Stoke City.

Newcastle United host Andre-Villas Boas and Tottenham Hotspur later (1630 GMT) with champions Manchester City hosting Southampton on Sunday when Chelsea go to Wigan Athletic.

Manchester United and Van Persie travel to Everton on Monday.