English round-up: Norwich make solid start to top-flight return under Lambert

PAUL Lambert's Norwich City secured a point at Wigan on Saturday as they made their Premier League return after a six-year absence.

Wigan took the lead through Ben Watson's spot-kick after Franco di Santo went down in the box under the attentions of Ritchie De Laet, but City equalised just before half-time when Ali Al Habsi could not hold on to Steve Morison's delivery and Wes Hoolahan slotted the ball into the net.

For Lambert - who has guided the Norfolk club to back-to-back promotions over the last two seasons - it was a first taste of England's top division, but the Scot is determined to treat the 2011-12 campaign as business as usual.

"I never read too much into it," he said. "It is the same as with League One and the Championship - your emotions are totally focused on the game. Credit to the players, they showed great desire to not get beaten."

Elsewhere, former Hibs striker Steven Fletcher scored an excellent equaliser to set Wolves on their way to a 2-1 win at Blackburn. Mauro Formica's debut goal had give the home side the lead after 20 minutes, but Fletcher rose powerfully to steer home a header just three minutes later and from then on Mick McCarthy's side looked full value for their win against a side manager by Scot Steve Kean. The winner arrived at the start of the second half when Kevin Doyle's penalty kick was saved by Paul Robinson, but the fall fell to Jason Ward just inside the box and he lashed it home.

Former Dundee United striker David Goodwillie made his competitive debut for Rovers when he came on as a second-half substitute and sent a low effort just wide of goal.

New Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish saw his side leave Fulham with a point after a 0-0 draw, but they had goalkeeper Shay Given to thank for two superb saves to ensure the scoreline remained blank. There was frustration for Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool's hopes of launching a title assault this season took a knock as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland. Luis Suarez blasted a sixth-minute penalty over the bar but atoned few minutes later by putting Liverpool ahead. However, an improved Sunderland rallied after the break to level the game through Sebastien Larsson.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle saw his side dish a 4-0 thumping to top-flight new boys QPR at Loftus Road, thanks to goals by Gary Cahill, an own goal by Danny Gabbidon, Ivan Klasnic and Fabrice Muamba.