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Sebastian Larsson scored a superb volley on his debut to earn a point for Sunderland at Liverpool. The hosts will curse the fact Luis Suarez missed an early penalty when he was tripped by Kieran Richardson before sending his spot-kick way over. But the Uruguayan shrugged off his disappointment to nod in a 12-minute opener from Charlie Adam's cross. Sunderland rarely threatened in the first half but Larsson's 57th-minute goal capped a better defensive display. Once they had equalised, the Black Cats the more likely victors as Liverpool ran out of steam. And it was an impressive second-half turnaround for Steve Bruce's men, who would have been happy to take a point back to the north east after coming under serious pressure in the first period. With four Liverpool players making their debuts, there was lots of encouragement for Kenny Dalglish and his decision to use Suarez was entirely justified despite the striker only returning to training on Monday following his Copa America exploits. After winning the south American championship with his country on 24 July, perhaps tiredness could have played a part in Suarez's misfortune from the spot after only six minutes. Yet he was sprightly enough to earn the penalty in the first place, charging down Richardson's pass near the halfway line and racing clear, only to be tripped by the left-back as he shaped to round keeper Simon Mignolet.