Liverpool rescued a point in Andoni Iraola's first Premier League game in charge as Dominik Szoboszlai scored a late penalty to nick a draw against Newcastle. It was a sorry performance from the Merseyside giants, who didn't deserve to win the game and were second best for large parts of the contest.
It didn't take long for them to go behind, with Anthony Elanga scoring on the counter to give Newcastle an early lead. It was a laborious opening period for the visitors, who struggled to create chances and lacked quality in the opposing half.
Second-Half Drama
The game opened up after the interval, though, and it was Liverpool who scored next with Cody Gakpo firing into the bottom corner from long range. However, the score was only level for three minutes before Newcastle restored their lead through substitute Joe Willock.
Liverpool, however, were awarded a late penalty when Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz, and Szoboszlai made no mistake to salvage a dramatic draw with virtually the last kick of the game.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 5
Wasn't perfectly positioned for the early opener, but couldn't have done much to stop Willock from scoring. Not his most convincing display, though. Flapped at a few balls he should have caught.
Jeremie Frimpong - 4
Wasn't very influential at either end. Poor crossing ruined a couple of smart attacking moves. Booked for a foul on Harvey Barnes before the break.
Jeremy Jacquet - 6
Struggled defensively at times, especially in the early stages, but looked promising on the ball with some composed passing.
Virgil van Dijk - 6
Kept it simple in defence and looked assured in his decision-making. The same couldn't be said for many of his team-mates.
Milos Kerkez - 4
Outpaced by Elanga for the early goal and was booked for holding the winger before half-time. Lacked quality going forward, too, and didn't improve as the game went on.
Ryan Gravenberch - 3
Indecisiveness on the ball and poor positioning led to Elanga's opening goal. Should have done more to stop Wissa in the build-up to the second. Not good enough.
Dominik Szoboszlai - 4
Seemed a bit lost at times, like he wasn't sure where he was supposed to be playing. Pushed up far too high for both Newcastle goals, leaving his team-mates exposed. Made no mistake from the spot but had a poor game overall.
Florian Wirtz - 5
Looked lively to start with, picking out some good passes and not being afraid to shoot, but didn't have much of an end product and became a passenger as the game went on.
Rio Ngumoha - 4
Didn't manage to create much in a forgettable display, but neither did his team-mates. Largely anonymous and struggled to get into the game.
Cody Gakpo - 7
Worked hard out of possession to lead the high press and showed flashes of quality before scoring a brilliant equaliser from well outside the box.
Alexander Isak - 4
Relentlessly booed with almost every single touch. Starved of service for the most part but could have worked harder to get himself in the game. A day to forget for the ex-Newcastle frontman.
Substitutes
Alexis Mac Allister - 5
Came on in place of Wirtz in the second half. Didn't really offer much apart from simple passes.
Victor Munoz - 6
Introduced for the last half-hour, replacing Ngumoha. Won the penalty that led to the equaliser and looked lively throughout.
Ronald Araujo - 6
Played in defence for the final 20 minutes, replacing Jacquet. Played some decent passes as Liverpool searched for a leveller.
Lewis Koumas - 6
Got a run out in the closing stages in place of Gravenberch. Worked hard and managed to win a late corner, which came to nothing.
