Sahin handed Liverpool debut

Nuri Sahin was handed his Liverpool debut by Brendan Rodgers as the Reds aimed to kick-start their season by beating Arsenal at Anfield.

Amid the failure to secure a replacement for Andy Carroll, Sahin’s arrival on a season-long loan from Real Madrid has largely been consigned to a side issue.

However, the 23-year-old midfielder was the ideal replacement for Lucas, who was injured against Manchester City last Sunday.

It was one of three changes for Liverpool as Daniel Agger returned from suspension and Jose Enrique was also recalled, with Sebastian Coates and Martin Kelly the players to make way.

The Merseyside outfit have started with a single point from their two games, one fewer than Arsenal, who have been involved in successive goalless draws.

Arsene Wenger missed out on Sahin, although most Gunners fans are more interested in how they can replace the goals of Robin van Persie.

This afternoon Wenger opted for England’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of Gervinho, while he kept faith with Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott remained on the bench.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Gerrard, Allen, Sahin, Borini, Suarez, Sterling. Subs: Jones, Henderson, Coates, Downing, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly.

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud. Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Andre Santos, Walcott, Ramsey, Coquelin, Gervinho.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)