English Premier League roundup

ASTON VILLA 1 LIVERPOOL 2

Liverpool are anxious not to make yet another slow start to the season, but it took an 87th-minute firecracker from captain Steven Gerrard to snatch all three points.

Liverpool took a 31st-minute lead with an own goal by Villa`s Danish defender Martin Laursen, but were pegged back by Gareth Barry`s 85th-minute penalty after a handball by Jamie Carragher. Cue Gerrard for a stunning 25-metre free kick into the top corner.

Left: Aston Villa`s Martin Laursen, right, lies dejected after scoring an own goal as Liverpool`s Fernando Torres celebrates during their FA Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham, England. AP images