Sheffield Utd kick off Premier League with Liverpool draw

LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) Sheffield United marked their first top-flight appearance for 12 years by holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane in the first match of the Premier League season today.

Back up having won automatic promotion as runners-up to Reading last season, United stunned the 2005 European champions a minute into the second half when Rob Hulse was left unmarked to head home a free kick.

Liverpool levelled with a 70th minute Robbie Fowler penalty after Steven Gerrard was tripped after a one-two with Fowler but did little else to trouble the home side.

The action continues later on Saturday with Arsenal against Aston Villa in their new Emirates Stadium and the first-ever top flight appearance of Reading against Middlesbrough among the highlights.

REUTERS DH BD1951