Liverpool picked up its first Premier League victory of the season on Saturday, beating West Ham 2-1 on first-half goals from Daniel Agger and Peter Crouch.
Liverpool opened last weekend with a disappointing 1-1 draw at newly promoted Sheffield United. On Tuesday, the Reds reached the group stage of the Champions League, advancing 3-2 on aggregate over Israeli champion Maccabi Haifa.
Bobby Zamora gave West Ham a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. The loss was West Ham’s first this season after a victory and draw.
West Ham has not won at Anfield since 1963.
New signing Dirk Kuyt made his first appearance for Liverpool since moving from Feyenoord, coming on six minutes into the second half.
Later Saturday, it’s: Charlton vs. Bolton; Fulham vs. Sheffield United; Manchester City vs. Arsenal; Tottenham vs. Everton; Watford vs. Manchester United; and Wigan vs. Reading.
Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher was to miss Saturday’s game with Arsenal after being charged with ”serious foul play” for a challenge on Portsmouth’s Pedro Mendes in a match on Wednesday.
City also suspended him pending an internal club investigation.
On Sunday, Aston Villa hosts Newcastle and Blackburn hosts Cheslea. Portsmouth plays at Middlesbrough on Monday.
Two-time defending champion Chelsea will be trying to recover from Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough, a rare upset that could put coach Jose Mourinho under early pressure.
Mourinho and his team have won the league two years in a row, but their major aim this season may be winning the Champions League. Mourinho won the European title with FC Porto in 2004. – Sapa-AP