Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola claimed Alexander Isak was not surprised by the fierce reception from the Newcastle United fans on his return to St James' Park. Isak played the full 90 minutes and saw his every touch jeered by the home supporters in Sunday's dramatic 2-2 draw, which saw Dominik Szoboszlai score a 99th-minute penalty to earn a share of the spoils on Tyneside.
Hostile return for Isak
It was the first time Isak has played against the Magpies since his protracted and at times controversial move was completed for a British-record £125m on September 1 last year. The Sweden forward was subjected to abusive chanting alongside the boos and the jeers, while many Newcastle fans chanted "rat" at the striker as he made his way into the stadium where he spent three years.
Iraola praised the No.9 for how he handled the hostile reaction, saying: "I think he expected a little bit the atmosphere. It's not a big surprise for him.
"He has tried everything. He has given us good positions on the ball, probably has had a couple of situations to finish inside the box but probably not the clearest we wanted.
"But I value that he has continued pushing and fighting in the game and I think it was a good step for Alex."
Late drama at St James' Park
Anthony Elanga's early opener was cancelled out by a rasping Gakpo effort after the break, before substitute Joe Willock scored two minutes later with one of his first touches. It was left to Szoboszlai to earn a point for the Reds after new signing Victor Munoz had been brought down by Lewis Hall deep into stoppage time.
Reflecting on the result, Iraola said: "Because we scored at the end you have a better taste. Before the game, we wouldn't have signed for this result probably. But it is a reward because we put a lot of pressure on Newcastle and we had to wait until the end.
"I think we have done more than enough to score that goal. If we'd have scored earlier probably the run of the game was for us.
"They tell me the stats are more for us, in terms of chances and creating more, but it's true they could say that they were winning so they don't need to push and were defending their result.
"In terms of putting pressure (on Newcastle), in the first half we haven't finished the things, we are on the edge of the box and inside the box where we haven't finished the play and not had a shot.
"They scored their first goal because we didn't finish it and they have a chance. The second half we were more decisive, the goal from Cody Gakpo but also we put a lot more pressure, more set plays, more crosses, more things inside the box.
"It's a reward, it's only a point but at least it's something that's deserved."
Penalty praise for Szoboszlai
Iraola also hailed Szoboszlai's composure from the spot, adding: "We have not only Dom and Alexander [who can take penalties], we have more very good specialists.
"Alexis [Mac Allister] was also on the pitch and he's a very good penalty taker, Cody, we have a lot. But I think Dom showed the level. It's almost impossible a penalty to stop.
"I was happy with it, we recovered one point. I also think there is a clearer before the Victor one, also on Victor again but the referee whistled before so they can't give it.
"I am happy for Victor. He has created problems for his opposition and players from the bench that can alter game are going to be important for us."
