Liverpool's defensive frailties on the counter-attack and the ease with which their midfield is being played through remain the most alarming concerns, echoing the failings that hampered their dismal Premier League title defence last season. Both goals conceded were a direct result of the Reds losing the ball on the edge of the Newcastle area.
If the first was poor in terms of the simple fashion in which the Liverpool defence parted to allow Anthony Elanga to sprint clear, the second was significantly worse, with a number of retreating Reds unable to put in a challenge on Yoane Wissa before the striker released Joe Willock to score.
Iraola's midfield challenge
Arne Slot's answer last season was to go too far the other way, an approach that cost him his job. By contrast, Andoni Iraola is just getting started. After again hinting no midfield reinforcements are forthcoming, the responsibility lies with the Basque to drill into the Liverpool players what is required from an Iraola engine room.
Jeremy Jacquet was mere minutes into his Premier League career when left looking bewildered at the officials after being sent tumbling to the turf in an unpunished challenge. While not exactly a welcome to English football, it gave the 21-year-old an instant idea of the physicality he can expect.
Jacquet and Araujo impress
While impressive in the friendly win against Como last weekend, a volatile St James' Park and the awkwardness of Wissa was always going to be a much more instructive assignment. Jacquet's composed, determined display merited the decision of Iraola to partner him with Virgil van Dijk ahead of the more experienced option of recent loan arrival Ronald Araujo.
That he spent part of his earlier career in midfield was evident in the Frenchman being comfortable when stepping out of the backline in an attempt to inject urgency into Liverpool's play. After understandably tiring second half, he made way for Araujo whose no-frills approach and ability to deal with an increasing aerial threat gave the Reds the platform for their late raid. Both debutant centre-backs can be happy with their contribution.
Munoz's persistence and Gakpo's case
For much of his fitful cameo, it appeared Victor Munoz was in danger of becoming another reason why Liverpool desperately need to sign a new right-winger before next Tuesday's transfer deadline. But that it was Munoz who forced the rash challenge from Lewis Miley deep into injury time hinted at what he can bring the Reds defence.
Despite too often being diverted into trouble or out of space altogether, the Spaniard was undeterred with his persistence in running at his marker ultimately rewarded. Munoz had been introduced midway through the second half for Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old matchwinner of this fixture last season having underlined why his formative years should be spent perfecting his craft on his preferred left flank.
It was from there that Cody Gakpo was easily Liverpool's most potent attacker here and looks anything but a player who would welcome a move away. Gakpo surely cannot be sold.
The dramatic ending to the match was a fitting tribute to Kevin Keegan, who was celebrated by supporters of both teams with mosaics and banners displayed during a period of applause shortly before kick-off. Keegan will forever remain a legend at both clubs.
