Reds level at break after controversial goal

A controversial first half at Anfield ended with Liverpool going in 1-1 with Sunderland in their Barclays Premier League game today.

Fernando Torres had a goal disallowed in the second minute before Dirk Kuyt’s dubious goal put Liverpool ahead three minutes later.

After being awarded a free-kick by referee Stuart Attwell, Sunderland defender Michael Turner tapped the ball back to his keeper Simon Mignolet, presumably believing he would take it.

Attwell judged the ball to be live though, allowing Torres to intercept before squaring the ball to Kuyt, who tapped home, much to the annoyance of the travelling team and fans.

Sunderland hit back soon after though through Darren Bent, who smashed a penalty in off Pepe Reina after Christian Poulsen’s handball inside his own box.

Rock-bottom West Ham were on course to win their first league match of the season after going in 1-0 up at half time against London rivals Tottenham at Upton Park.

Frederic Piquionne leapt high to power home a Mark Noble corner just after the half hour mark to score his first league goal for the club.

Manuel Almunia saved Arsenal’s blushes with a penalty save to ensure that the Gunners went in goalless at half time with West Brom at the Emirates Stadium.

Andrey Arshavin rattled the West Brom woodwork twice in quick succession before Almunia brought down Peter Odemwingie in the box.

The Spaniard immediately atoned for his error by saving Chris Brunt’s disappointing spot-kick.

Blackpool looked set to lose their unbeaten home record at Bloomfield Road, where they were 1-0 down against Blackburn thanks to a Charlie Adam own goal.

The Tangerines midfielder attempted to cushion a header back to goalkeeper Matt Gilks but failed, instead powering past his own shot-stopper after 20 minutes.

Mark Schwarzer’s late save from a Mikael Arteta drive meant injury-hit Fulham ended their first half with Everton goalless

Birmingham, meanwhile, could not break the deadlock against Wigan at St Andrew’s.