Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty to earn Liverpool a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, denying Matthias Jaissle a winning start as Magpies head coach at St James' Park.
Newcastle took the lead inside five minutes through Anthony Elanga's first Premier League goal for the club. The hosts held that advantage into half-time, but Cody Gakpo equalised for Liverpool on 55 minutes. Parity lasted only three minutes before Joe Willock finished another counter-attack to restore Newcastle's lead. The Magpies looked set for three points until Lewis Hall's foul gifted Liverpool a penalty deep into stoppage time, which Szoboszlai hammered into the roof of the net in the 96th minute.
Elanga and Willock shine for hosts
Newcastle broke with real pace to score the opener inside four minutes, as William Osula ran at the Liverpool defence before sending Elanga clear, with the winger finishing impressively to ignite St James' Park. Florian Wirtz forced Lukas Hornicek into a smart save as Liverpool sought an equaliser, but that was as close as they came in the opening 45 minutes, with the hosts continuing to threaten in attack.
Liverpool brought themselves back into the game when Gakpo fired home from 25 yards after being afforded time to take aim. The Reds looked to have a spring in their step after the equaliser, but Newcastle again hit them on the counter, with Yoane Wissa travelling half the pitch before finding Willock, who finished neatly.
Talking points from the north east
After a summer that saw Newcastle cash in on three of their leading lights for more than £240million, plenty have tipped the Magpies for a season of struggle, especially after their change of manager midway through pre-season. Sunday's performance showed this Newcastle side can still compete with the country's top teams, and the St James' Park crowd still believe. However, conceding so late will make the outing feel like a defeat.
Last season it was hard to gauge whether Liverpool's 2025 title win was an outlier, given they dropped to fifth. That demise cost Arne Slot his job, and Andoni Iraola was brought in as his replacement. Pre-season results exposed defensive flaws, with the Spanish boss admitting the team were not yet primed to play the style he demanded. Sunday was his first genuine chance to show what Iraola's Liverpool look like, and bar a ten-minute spell to start the second half and Gakpo's impressive outing, it looked set to end in defeat. Szoboszlai's penalty ensured the former Bournemouth boss does not begin with a defeat.
Elanga's pace and Isak's return
If there is one thing Newcastle lost when Anthony Gordon left for Barcelona, it was out-and-out pace. But in Elanga they still have that outlet of raw speed, which proved crucial for the opening goal. Elanga had a frustrating debut season at St James' Park, especially given his £55m price tag, but he could not have begun in better fashion. The winger only started 14 league games last year, but with the exodus of players his role will be magnified.
When this fixture was played last season, Alexander Isak was in the midst of trying to force his move from Newcastle to Liverpool and was absent. He would eventually get his way before enduring a disappointing injury-hit campaign at Anfield. Sunday was Isak's first Liverpool-Newcastle clash as a Red, and his every touch was booed by the home crowd. His biggest chance came with 20 minutes remaining, but the Swede fired well over to mark a forgettable first return.
Wirtz struggle continues
Last year did not go to plan as Liverpool tried to get the most out of Wirtz, who was briefly the British record signing. Iraola decided Wirtz's best role was at the heart of the attack, but on the hour mark, with Liverpool needing a goal, the Reds boss chose to hook his playmaker. The camera quickly panned to the former Bayer Leverkusen man, who looked unimpressed as he took his spot on the bench. Liverpool's investment in Wirtz means they have to persevere with him, but the weight on his shoulders is only increasing.
