Djibril Cisse scored on his debut as Liverpool started life without Michael Owen, but Jermain Defoe hit back to earn Tottenham an opening-day draw.

Liverpool's £14m summer signing Cisse fired his side ahead with a sharp close-range finish after 37 minutes.

But the impressive Defoe produced a trademark penalty-box finish to put Spurs level with 19 minutes left.

In a tight contest, Jacques Santini and Liverpool's Rafael Benitez will both be satisfied after their first games.

Spurs had five debutants in their line-up, and veteran Nourredine Naybet showed his experience to make two crucial interceptions to halt Milan Baros and Harry Kewell.

Liverpool also had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Steven Gerrard was clearly tugged by 17-year-old Phil Ifil, but referee Dermot Gallagher ignored their claims.

Santini's side were having few opportunities up front, and the only discomfort they caused Liverpool in the first half came from wild challenges by Freddie Kanoute and Jamie Redknapp on Didi Hamann and Gerrard, that earned bookings.

It was no surprise when Liverpool went ahead after 37 minutes, Cisse turning home from close-range after Jamie Carragher flicked on Steve Finnan's cross.

Gerrard then went close with a volley from 25 yards that flew narrowly over.

Spurs posed their first threat after 55 minutes when Defoe brilliantly slipped between Josemi and Sami Hyypia, but shot over.

Kewell was within inches of doubling Liverpool's lead just after the hour, shooting narrowly wide from 25 yards.

Liverpool boss Benitez then made a change, sending on Florent Sinama-Pongolle for goalscorer Cisse.

Spurs made a double change with 20 minutes left, sending on Timothee Atouba and Gary Doherty for Naybet and Johnnie Jackson.

And they were level within seconds, the dangerous Defoe turning sharply to beat Jerzy Dudek at his near post.

Liverpool were stung, and it needed a brilliant save from Paul Robinson to stop Jamie Carragher's header.