The stage was set for Fernando Torres to shine but it was fellow captain, Steven Gerrard that provided a stunning free kick which gave Liverpool a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa as the new Premier League season opened with many visiting teams chalking up wins in the first day.

Sven Goran Erikkson’s Manchester City beat West Ham 2-0, Sam Allardyce’s first game at Newcastle United boss ended in a 3-1 win at former club Bolton Wanderers while visiting team Blackburn beat Middlesbrough 2-1 with substitute Roque Santa Cruz scoring after only two minutes on the field.

Liverpool looked set for a disappointing start after their lead was cancelled out by Gareth Barry’s 85th minute penalty. But Gerrard curled home an inswinging free kick from 25 metres two minutes later, dipping the ball into the top right hand corner.

Champions Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all in action on Sunday

aston villa, english premier league, EPL, Liverpool

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