It was a disappointing day for Liverpool fans as the Reds slump to an opening day 1-2 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
The home team had the better of the exchanges in the opening 45 minutes, and full-back Assou-Ekotto fired Spurs into the lead just before half-time with a powerful drive into the top corner.
Indeed, Liverpool would have been more than 1-0 down at half-time had Anfield old boy Robbie Keane not do his former team mates a favour by missing a couple of clear chances.
The first half also saw centre-backs Carragher and Skrtel involved in an ugly head collision which left Carragher with a head wound that required several stiches, while Skrtel appeared to be badly shaken with a bruised chin and jaw.
The Reds showed greater determination in the second half, and was rewarded with a well-deserved penalty in the 54th minute when Johnson was brought down by Spurs keeper Gomes after breaking clear into the box.
The Reds showed greater determination in the second half, and was rewarded with a well-deserved penalty in the 54th minute when Johnson was brought down by Spurs keeper Gomes after breaking clear into the box.
Gerrard gave the Reds hope by converting the penalty, but it was a short-lived one, as debutant Bassong restored Tottenham's lead with a towering header from a freekick.
The introduction of Benayoun, replacing Babel who was having a quiet game, did make the Reds look more lively, and Liverpool were unfortunate to have a strong penalty appeal waved away with five minutes remaining as Andriy Voronin was shoulder charged off the ball by Assou-Ekotto after being put through by Benayoun.
Minutes later, Assou Ekotto was at the centre of another spot-kick claim as Torres' centre appeared to be blocked by the hand of the Tottenham defender.
The introduction of Benayoun, replacing Babel who was having a quiet game, did make the Reds look more lively, and Liverpool were unfortunate to have a strong penalty appeal waved away with five minutes remaining as Andriy Voronin was shoulder charged off the ball by Assou-Ekotto after being put through by Benayoun.
Minutes later, Assou Ekotto was at the centre of another spot-kick claim as Torres' centre appeared to be blocked by the hand of the Tottenham defender.
Watch all the Liverpool goals here.
Assistant manager Sammy Lee was sent from the Liverpool bench by referee Phil Dowd as tempers frayed over the rejected penalty claims, and the Reds were unable to find an equaliser on what will go down as a day to forget at White Hart Lane.
Assistant manager Sammy Lee was sent from the Liverpool bench by referee Phil Dowd as tempers frayed over the rejected penalty claims, and the Reds were unable to find an equaliser on what will go down as a day to forget at White Hart Lane.
The Reds must now put in a much better display when they entertain Stoke at Anfield this Wednesday to avoid further slip ups in the title challenge. At this early stage, the Reds are already playing catch up to the other Big Four teams i.e. Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal, all of whom won on the opening day.
Last season, Premier league new boys Stoke fought out 0-0 draws with Liverpool both at home and away, and will be looking to frustrate the Reds again.
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