LONDON — Reigning champion Manchester City twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw away to Liverpool that denied Brendan Rodgers his first Premier League win as Reds manager Sunday. Martin Skrtel went from hero to villain in the course of an exciting match at Anfield, heading Liverpool in front before his loose back-pass set up the goal for Carlos Tevez that saw City make it 2-2 ten minutes from time. A much-improved Liverpool, shock 3-0 loser to West Bromwich Albion last week, took the lead when Skrtel powered in a header from Steven Gerrard's 34th minute corner. But City, which came through a see-saw clash to beat newcomer Southampton 3-2 in its league opener, was level in the 63rd minute when Yaya Toure capitalized on the failure of Liverpool's Martin Kelly to clear a Tevez cross. However, parity lasted for just three minutes until, following a Jack Rodwell handball, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez curled the ensuing 20-yard free-kick round the wall and beyond the despairing dive of City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart. But Argentina striker Tevez, with his 100th goal in English football, drew City level again in the 80th minute when he seized on a stray back-pass from defender Skrtel and then calmly rounded Pepe Reina before slotting home. Earlier, Arsenal failed to score for the second league match in a row following the departure of star striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United as they were held to a goalless draw away to Stoke. “It is not good enough,” Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after the Gunners' second straight 0-0 stalemate. “We had some really good chances but at the moment we are not taking them. The same thing happened last week.” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was pleased by his side's defensive performance but said he was looking to bring in more players to the London club before Friday's transfer deadline. “I'm pleased with what I have, but yes, I anticipate that we will do something still,” Wenger said. “We are still in the market. Defensive midfielder, it depends on the quality of the players available.” The Frenchman's Stoke counterpart, Tony Pulis, said: “It was a good result, (but) there are things we are not happy with and can do better. On Saturday, Premier League leader Chelsea eased past Newcastle 2-0 with Eden Hazard scoring his first goal for the club followed by a superb strike from Fernando Torres. Torres was tripped by Vurnon Anita for the penalty, with Hazard converting after 22 minutes at Stamford Bridge. Hazard and Torres then linked up for the second, with Hazard returning the ball to Torres with a neat back heel before the Spain striker confidently placed the ball into the top right corner from the edge of the penalty area. Chelsea pushed to extend its lead in the second half, with Ryan Bertrand bringing out a good save from Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul. — Agencies
