Premiership debuantes share points

Premiership Round Up

Premiership Round Up

Jermain Defoe scored the equaliser as Jacques Santini's Tottenhamdenied new Liverpoolboss Rafael Benitez a winning start in the Barclays Premiership.

Defoe turned and fired low past Jerzy Dudek after 71 minutes at White Hart Lane to cancel out Djibril Cisse's opener.

New arrival Cisse, spearheading the attack following the sale of Michael Owen to Real Madrid, had given Liverpool the goal their early dominance deserved with a short-range strike after 38 minutes.

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Jay-Jay Okocha and Henrik Pedersen netted two goals apiece as Boltonproduced the performance of the day by overpowering Charlton4-1 at the Reebok Stadium.

Okocha, celebrating his 31st birthday in style, struck with a free-kick after 11 minutes before Pedersen shrugged off several defenders to make it 2-0 on the half hour.

Okocha added the third when he deceived Dean Kiely after 59 minutes and, although Kevin Lisbie pulled one back with a header, Bolton remained in charge and wrapped it up through Pedersen on 72.

First Division champions Norwichhad to settle for a draw on their Premiership return as fellow newcomers Crystal Palaceclaimed a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.

Darren Huckerby scored the Canaries' first goal in the top flight for nine years when he drilled a shot across goal that went in off the post after 16 minutes.

Andrew Johnson netted a deserved Palace equaliser after a well-timed run on 73 minutes.

West Bromwere also denied victory on their return to the Premiership as Blackburncame from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.

Neil Clement put the Baggies ahead when his 33rd-minute free-kick was deflected past Brad Friedel.

But Rovers stepped up the pressure after the break and claimed a point when Craig Short rose to meet a cross with defender Paul Robinson and the ball flew in. Short was accredited with the equaliser but it may eventually be deemed a Robinson own goal.

Birminghamwere held to a 1-1 draw after taking an early lead against Portsmouthat Fratton Park.

Steve Bruce's side opened the scoring when Robbie Savage curled a free-kick beyond the reach of Shaka Hislop in the 10th minute.

But Pompey were soon back level when Steve Stone was impeded in the box and David Unsworth tucked home the resulting penalty on his debut.

Darius Vassell and Carlton Cole linked well and scored a goal apiece as Aston Villabeat Southampton2-0 at Villa Park.

Vassell netted in the 12th minute when he turned the ball in after Lee Hendrie's shot had been blocked.

On-loan Cole doubled the lead when he scored his first for the club after being set up by Vassell in the 34th minute.

Collins John cancelled out a brilliant Robbie Fowler goal as Fulhamclaimed a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

Former Liverpool star Fowler gave City the lead with a brilliant right-footed overhead kick on 28 minutes.

Fulham struggled to assert themselves but claimed a point when John hit the target against the run of play after a cross from Claus Jensen on 56 minutes.