Manchester United's Michael Carrick (2nd L) takes a penalty which is saved by Burnley's Brian Jensen (unseen) during their English Premier League soccer match in Burnley August 19, 2009. [Agencies]
LONDON：The defending champions Mancherster United was shocked by Burnley's early goal and failed to make any amends at Turf Moor here on Wednesday. But Liverpool regained their strength, whitewashing Stoke 4-0 in Premier League.
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Manchester United's Michael Carrick (2nd L) takes a penalty which is saved by Burnley's Brian Jensen (unseen) during their English Premier League soccer match in Burnley August 19, 2009. [Agencies] |
Burnley returned to the top flight after 33 years of absence. Although they were beaten 2-0 by Stoke last Sunday, they demonstrated that there should never be looked down upon in their first home league match this season.
After tuning up for a while, Burnley showed enough confidence in attacks rather than being complacent with a defensive play. In the 19th minute, Robbie Blake stunned the Red Devils with a explosive volley high past goalkeeper Foster.
Veteran Michael Owen started for the first time since his move to Old Trafford, but failed to make any threat until being replaced by Bulgarian Dimitar Bervatov after an hour.
Man United's best opportunity came just before the break when Evra was fouled by Blake to earn a penalty. But Jensen made a correct save to his right, holding back Carrick's shot from the penalty spot. Since then, the defending champions never came nearer.
But Liverpool could never be frustrated as they were able to created so many chances. with seconds remaining in the first half, Glen Johnson latched on his first goal for Liverpool after Dutchman Dirk Kuyt's header being blocked by Sorensen.
Liverpool found more space after the break and sealed the score at 4-0 with Kuyt and substitute Ngog added two more goals in the last 20 minutes.
Besides, Jermain Defoe played the hat trick in a away match against Hull, giving Tottenham Spur a trilling 5-1 win. It is the first time in 14 years that Spur have opened the season with two wins as they also defeated Liverpool last Sunday.
Birmingham was awarded a penalty in the injury-time and James McFadden stroke the only goal of the game to beat Portsmouth at St Andrew's.