Fabregas and Torres out of opener

Arsenal talisman Cesc Fabregas was missing as the Gunners began their Barclays Premier League campaign at Liverpool this afternoon.

The Spain midfielder, linked with Barcelona throughout the summer, had been lacking match-fitness in the build-up to the Anfield clash and did not even make Arsene Wenger’s bench.

Holland forward Robin van Persie was at least included among the substitutes while Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny made their debuts.

Liverpool were boosted by the presence of star striker Fernando Torres on the bench after a groin injury, Roy Hodgson has instead installed Frenchman David Ngog up front for the Reds.

Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt also starts along the with new signing from Serbia Milan Jovanovic.

Liverpool's other major summer signing, Joe Cole, starts alongside Steven Gerrard in midfield and wantaway Argentinian Javier Mascherano.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Gerrard, Jovanovic, Mascherano, Kuyt, Cole, Ngog.

Subs: Cavalieri, Aurelio, Torres, Maxi, Babel, Lucas, Kelly.

Arsenal: Almunia, Clichy, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Diaby, Nasri, Eboue, Sagna, Wilshere, Arshavin, Chamakh.

Subs: Fabianski, Rosicky, van Persie, Vela, Walcott, Song, Gibbs.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)