Liverpool checked

Press, 12 September 1988, Page 18

Liverpool checked

NZPA London Liverpool, which swept imperiously to the English soccer league title last season, was held to a 1-1 draw away by the first division newcomer, Aston Villa, in the third match of its title defence yesterday.' Villa, promoted from division two at the end of last season, jolted Liverpool with a 39th-minute goal from striker Alan Mclnaliy, who scored twice when it pulled off a 3-2 triumph over Arsenal last week-end.

But Liverpool, which won its opening two matches, salvaged a point when Ray Houghton equalised from a quickly-taken free kick midway through the second half. Paul Gascoigne, Tottenham’s £2 million ($5.32 million) close-season midfield signing from Newcastle, marked his home debut with an unusual goal against London rival, Arsenal, which won 3-2.

Gascoigne, named in England’s squad for a friendly against Denmark at Wembley next week, lost his right boot on the edge of the box but ran on and used his stockinged foot to steer the ball home from an acute angle. Unfashionable Southampton and Norwich are the only teams with a 100 per cent winning record after three matches, having beaten Luton 2-1 and Queen’s Park Rangers 1-0 respectively.

There were no matches in the Scottish premier league because Scotland play a World Cup qualifying game against Norway in Oslo next Wednesday.