Liverpool were forced to dig deep to salvage a point at St James’ Park as Dominik Szoboszlai converted a dramatic 99th minute penalty to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in an action packed Premier League opener.
The result brought an extraordinary conclusion to Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League match in charge of Liverpool, while Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle was left frustrated after his side came within seconds of claiming an impressive victory.
Newcastle made the perfect start in front of a passionate home crowd, taking the lead after just five minutes.
Anthony Elanga finished a swift Newcastle attack after combining with William Osula, giving the hosts an early advantage and immediately putting Liverpool under pressure.
The goal gave Newcastle confidence, and the home side continued to look dangerous during the opening stages. Liverpool struggled to establish control as Newcastle’s pressing and intensity disrupted their attempts to build attacks from the back.
Liverpool gradually settled into the contest and began seeing more of the ball. Florian Wirtz looked to influence the game from an advanced position, while the visitors attempted to move Newcastle’s defensive block from side to side.
Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park also added an emotional layer to the match. The Swedish striker was making his return to his former club after his controversial departure, and he was met with a hostile reception from sections of the Newcastle support. However, Isak was unable to make the kind of attacking impact that would have silenced his former supporters.
Liverpool eventually found their equaliser shortly after half time.
Cody Gakpo produced an excellent finish in the 55th minute, firing beyond the Newcastle goalkeeper after receiving the ball from Ryan Gravenberch. The goal changed the momentum of the contest and gave Liverpool renewed belief.
However, Newcastle responded almost immediately.
Just two minutes after Gakpo’s equaliser, Joe Willock restored the Magpies’ advantage in the 57th minute. Yoane Wissa provided the decisive assist, setting up Willock for a composed finish that sent St James’ Park into another eruption of noise.
At 2-1, Newcastle appeared to have regained control of the contest.
Liverpool pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Newcastle defended with determination and continued to threaten whenever they were able to break forward.
Iraola made changes as the match entered its closing stages, bringing on players including Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Muñoz in an attempt to inject more energy and creativity into Liverpool’s attack.
Those changes eventually paid off.
As the game moved into an extended period of stoppage time, Liverpool launched one final attack. Substitute Victor Muñoz found himself involved in a decisive moment inside the Newcastle penalty area before being brought down by Lewis Hall.
The referee pointed to the spot, giving Liverpool an opportunity to rescue a point with virtually the final kick of the match.
Dominik Szoboszlai stepped forward and showed remarkable composure.
The Hungarian midfielder sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 99th minute, completing a dramatic comeback and securing a 2-2 draw for the visitors.
The late equaliser left Newcastle devastated. The Magpies had twice taken the lead and looked set to begin Jaissle’s Premier League reign with an important victory, only for Liverpool to produce a final twist.
For Iraola, the result will bring mixed emotions. Liverpool showed character by refusing to surrender after falling behind twice, but the defensive vulnerabilities and lack of control during important periods will give the new manager plenty to work on.
Newcastle, meanwhile, can take considerable encouragement from their performance despite surrendering the lead in stoppage time. Elanga’s early goal and Willock’s second half strike demonstrated their ability to punish Liverpool when opportunities appeared.
The match also carried an emotional significance because both clubs were beginning new managerial eras. Jaissle was taking charge of Newcastle in a competitive Premier League fixture for the first time, while Iraola was making his league debut with Liverpool.
Ultimately, it was Szoboszlai who became the defining figure of the afternoon.
His 99th minute penalty denied Newcastle victory and ensured Liverpool returned from the north east with a point. For the Reds, the late rescue could prove valuable as they begin a new chapter under Iraola.
For Newcastle, however, the feeling will be one of opportunity missed after coming so close to holding on for all three points.
The final score at St James’ Park was Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool, but the dramatic finish made the opening day encounter feel far more significant than an ordinary draw.
Goal Timeline: Anthony Elanga 5′ | Cody Gakpo 55′ | Joe Willock 57′ | Dominik Szoboszlai 90+9′ penalty.
