Premier League: Liverpool loses EPL opener as Arsenal draws

Liverpool was the big casualty on the Premier League's opening day, losing 3-0 at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, while Arsenal began life without Robin van Persie with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Sunderland.

Goals weren't a problem for Fulham and Swansea, with both teams enjoying 5-0 routs, while former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas made a miserable return to English football as Tottenham lost 2-1 at Newcastle.

But there were happier returns to the Premier League for West Ham and Reading, with both teams avoiding defeat in their first matches since gaining promotion.

The focus Saturday was off last season's top two, with Manchester City beginning its title defense on Sunday and Manchester United, which was denied the trophy in the final seconds of the last season, playing on Monday.

That put the spotlight on Liverpool as the fallen giants experienced their heaviest opening-day defeat since 1937 in another reminder of just how far it has slipped behind the title challengers.

Replacing Kenny Dalglish with the youthful Brendan Rodgers from Swansea after last season's eighth-place finish hasn't provided the immediate uplift in fortunes so desired by Liverpool's American owners.

Compounding Liverpool's misery was the fact West Brom's victory was masterminded by Steve Clarke, who was Dalglish's assistant at Anfield.

Zoltan Gera put West Brom in front before the break, and Liverpool was reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Daniel Agger conceded a penalty that was missed by Shane Long.

Peter Odemwingie was more accurate from the penalty spot in the 64th after Martin Skrtel had fouled Long, and Romelu Lukaku rounded off the win with a 77th-minute header.

``I thought the score line was harsh,'' Rodgers said. ``Congratulations to West Brom and Steve Clarke getting his first win as a manager. I've no complaints about the first goal, a fantastic strike from Gera, showing wonderful technique.

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