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London. — Philippe Coutinho’s stunning long-range strike gave Liverpool a late victory over Stoke on the opening weekend.

The match was a lacklustre Premier League encounter until the Brazilian’s magic four minutes from the end.

Former Liverpool man Glen Johnson could have put his new side in front in the first half, but squirted his shot over the bar from 12 yards out.

Charlie Adam’s long-range free-kick almost sneaked in at the back post but was pushed away by Simon Mignolet.

For so long it looked like Liverpool would draw a blank at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, but Philippe Coutinho popped up with a pearler four minutes from full-time to strike revenge on Stoke City for last season’s 6-1 defeat.

Brendan Rodgers’ side were beaten comprehensively at this stadium on the final day of last season, but after a long goalless weight, they exorcised the demons from May to claim three points on opening day.

Meanwhile, Southampton substitute Shane Long rescued a point for Southampton with late equaliser after Newcastle Utd’s Georginio Wijnaldum’s debut goal.

When Steve McClaren took to the field in the wake of his pulsating return to Premier League football and offered applause to all four corners of St James’ Park, he could not have been sure of their response.

What the former England boss got in return was an early sign of approval.

For while his side had surrendered their lead and came within inches of losing the game in stoppage-time, the Toon Army had at least been entertained – such enjoyment was in short supply last season.

Graziano Pelle headed the opener with a towering header from Cedric Soares’ cross before Papiss Cisse and Wijnaldum reversed the score for Newcastle and substitute Shane Long salvaged a point for the visitors.

McClaren, though, could not hide his satisfaction when put to him that supporters had enjoyed the sight of his new-look team, even if defensive flaws clearly remain.

“I appreciated that (the crowd reaction) at the end,’ said the 54-year-old, who was making his return to a Premier League dugout eight years after being sacked by England.” — BBC Sport/MailOnline.