Shearer saves Newcastle, Man City win

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Two-goal Alan Shearer scored a late equaliser to give title aspirants Newcastle United a 2-2 draw at Leeds in their opening game of the premier league season on Sunday.

With champions Manchester United and rivals Arsenal both winning on Saturday, Shearer pounced after 88 minutes to avert a disappointing defeat for Newcastle, who finished third last season.

The 33-year-old former England captain had put Newcastle ahead from the penalty spot in the first half before Mark Viduka and Alan Smith gave Leeds a 2-1 advantage.

Goals by Nicolas Anelka, Antoine Sibierski and Chinese international Sun Jihai gave Manchester City a fine 3-0 victory at Charlton Athletic, who had South African defender Mark Fish sent off in the second half.

Big-spending Chelsea, having splashed over 70 million pounds ($112 million) on new players in the close season, were due to face Liverpool at Anfield later on Sunday.

On Saturday Ryan Giggs scored twice as United thrashed Bolton 4-0 and Arsenal won 2-1 against Everton despite having Sol Campbell sent off.

Newcastle, third last season, arrived at Elland Road with two ex-Leeds favourites in their side -- Lee Bowyer amd Jonathan Woodgate.

Outstanding Smith

A flowing move led to their first goal after 20 minutes, with Kieron Dyer drawing a foul from Leeds defender Lucas Radebe and Shearer converted from the penalty spot with ease.

Leeds levelled four minutes later through Viduka after the unsettled Australian was teed up by impressive French loan signing Lamine Sakho.

Smith, who was outstanding for Leeds, anticipated a weak Olivier Bernard back pass to poach the home side's second after 57 minutes and Leeds, tipped for relegation after selling several leading players in the close season, sensed an unlikely win.

But Newcastle poured forward, with Jermaine Jenas, Gary Speed amd Shearer all going close before the ex-England skipper poked home the equaliser after Radebe failed to cut out a cross.

At The Valley Charlton, without new Italian signing Paolo Di Canio due to lack of match fitness, were swept aside by City, for whom David Seaman made his league debut in goal.

French striker Anelka stroked them ahead after 13 minutes from the penalty spot after Robbie Fowler was tripped and compatriot Sibierski made it 2-0 11 minutes later.

Charlton had Fish sent off for a professional foul on Fowler after 71 minutes and Sun wrapped up City's seven minutes from the end.

 

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