JOIN USRaheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge helped Liverpool begin the post-Luis Suarez era with a 2-1 victory over a new-look Southampton at Anfield on Sunday.
Sterling, one of a number of Liverpool players to enhance their reputation last season, gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half after a fine pass from England team-mate Jordan Henderson.
A thunderous shot from Nathaniel Clyne drew the visitors level shortly after the break, before Sturridge scored the winner with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Southampton, themselves embarking on a new period under the guidance of Dutchman Ronald Koeman and after the departures of a number of key names, gave a decent account of themselves in what is expected to be a season of rebuilding.Three players traded the south coast for Merseyside in the off-season but only Dejan Lovren started, with striker Rickie Lambert on the bench and midfielder Adam Lallana injured.
Clear chances were in short supply for both sides until Henderson won the ball inside his own half on 23 minutes.
He split the Southampton defence with an incisive pass, allowing 19-year-old Sterling to calmly shoot past Southampton's new keeper Fraser Forster into the bottom corner.
Liverpool earned plenty of plaudits for the way they tore teams apart last season, but after going a goal up they allowed Southampton to get a foothold in the match.
James Ward-Prowse sent in some dangerous balls from out wide, but shots on goal were at a premium until Morgan Schneiderlin, who had publicly expressed his desire to join the Southampton exodus, forced a good save from Simon Mignolet shortly before the break.
Scrappy Arsenal win
Arsenal, tipped as serious title contenders this term, left it late to beat managerless Crystal Palace, with Aaron Ramsey pouncing in stoppage time to earn a 2-1 victory at the Emirates after the home side had slipped behind.