Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson refused to blame Joe Cole or Jose Reina after Arsenal snatched a last-gasp draw in their season-opener at Anfield.
The Merseysiders’ 10 men looked to have overcome the sending-off of new signing Cole as they clung onto a 1-0 scoreline entering stoppage time of a pulsating Barclays Premier League clash.
But late pressure from the Gunners finally paid off as Reina tried to grab the ball after Marouane Chamakh had hit the post and succeeded only in turning it into his own goal.
Cole’s dismissal on his Reds league debut was the first major talking point of the game, coming on the stroke of half-time as he tangled with Arsenal new boy Laurent Koscielny.
BLACKPOOL TITLE ODDS SLASHED
WILLIAM HILL have slashed Blackpool’s Premier League title odds by a record EIGHT THOUSAND points after cutting them from a pre-season 10,000/1 to 2000/1. ‘So many Blackpool fans have placed small money bets on their side winning the title that we face a record £5million+ loss if they were to do it – so their 4-0 win was bad news for us!’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
However, Hills have make Chelsea 13/8 title favourites and also offer 9/4 Man U; 5 Man C; 6 Arsenal; 14 Liverpool; 28 Spurs; 125 Everton; 150 Villa.
William Hill….Where Will Blackpool Finish?
Champions2000/1
Top 4…250/1
5th – 10th..12/1
11th – 17th..3/1
18th – 19th…15/8
Bottom…..EVS
Ian Holloway to be named LMA Manager of the Year 20/1
HILLS HAVE OPENED A BOOK ‘WITHOUT CHELSEA AND UNITED’ AND MAKE CITY 13/10 FAVS AND ALSO FFER 13/8 Arsenal; 5 Liverpool; 9 Spurs; 28 Everton; 125 Villa.
After an impressive performance against Arsenal, Liverpool is 5/4 to regain their top 4 position this season. Down to 10 men for the second half Liverpool put on an impressive performance under new boss Roy Hodgson. Even though the teams drew Liverpool are 11/8 to finish above Arsenal in the table.
David Williams of Ladbrokes said, “The new Liverpool set up seems to be working well. They look set to take all three points until Pepe Reina’s howler. Liverpool look like a different side already this season and look ready to reclaim their Champions League spot in 2011.”
