LONDON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Steven Gerrard's stunning late strike gave Liverpool a 2-1 win at Aston Villa as the new Premeir Leauge season opened on Saturday.
Sven Goran Eriksson enjoyed a happy return to English shores as the hastily-assembled Manchester City beat West Ham 2-0 at Upton Park while Sam Allardyce returned to haunt former club Bolton as Newcastle enjoyed a 3-1 away victory.
At the Stadium of Light, Roy Keane's promoted Sunderland snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Champions Manchester United, FA Cup holders Chelsea and Arsenalare all in action on Sunday.
Liverpool had looked set for a point when Villa leveled on 85thminute through a Gareth Barry penalty, given for handball by JamieCarragher.
But Gerrard curled home a brilliant 25-yard goal to give Rafa Benitez's side three points and get their title bid off with a perfect start.
The Reds had opened the scoring on 31st minutes through an unfortunate own goal by Villa defender Martin Laursen, who turned a cross from Dirk Kuyt into his own net.
Keane, who steered Sunderland from the drop zone to the second division title after taking over last season, had a fairytale start to life as a Premier League manager.
Sunderland's winner came from new signing and substitute Michael Chopra, who side-footed a low shot past Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Eriksson's first signing, Rolando Bianchi, put the Blues in front in the 18th minute as he tapped home from close range following a mazy run by Elano.
Brazilian midfielder Geovanni grabbed a second to give the former England coach an opening victory as a club manager in the premier league.
Allardyce made a stunning return to the Reebok Stadium but for Sammy Lee, his former assistant, it was the stuff of nightmares as The Magpies were 3-0 up at half-time, with Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins scoring twice.
Elsewhere, newly-promoted Derby made a perfect start against Portsmouth but were pegged back for a 2-2 draw at Pride Park.
Blackburn Rovers came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 while Everton were 2-1 over Wigan Athletic.
