Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool: Szoboszlai Penalty Salvages Draw

Liverpool escaped defeat at Newcastle with a late penalty in their Premier League opener at St.

Newcastle, managed by new head coach Matthias Jaissle, surged to a 2-1 lead before Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai converted a late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw at St. James' Park. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring with a breakaway finish, and Joe Willock scored minutes after coming on as a substitute. Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool's first goal. Both teams warmed up in training tops bearing "Keegan 7" in tribute to Kevin Keegan, a legend of both clubs who passed away the previous month. The New York Times reports that pre-match tributes included a stadium-wide tifo and a minute's applause before kick-off.

According to The New York Times, a late foul by Lewis Hall allowed Dominik Szoboszlai to hammer home the equalizing penalty. CBS Sports reports that Szoboszlai's penalty came in the 99th minute. The draw marked Andoni Iraola's first game as Liverpool's new manager. The New York Times notes that both of Newcastle's goals highlighted ongoing concerns about Liverpool's midfield, which has been under scrutiny throughout pre-season since Iraola took over from Arne Slot.

The New York Times reports that Newcastle's attacking play under new head coach Matthias Jaissle centered on sending fast wingers in behind Liverpool's high defensive line. Elanga's fifth-minute opener came from a counter-attack: debutant Amar Dedic won possession in his own area, Will Osula drove forward and threaded a pass to Elanga, who finished across Alisson. Yoane Wissa, playing a more withdrawn role, created Newcastle's second goal by driving through the middle before setting up Willock. The New York Times notes that Jaissle's counter-attacking approach will give Newcastle encouragement after significant summer change.

Alexander Isak, who moved from Newcastle to Liverpool last summer, was booed throughout his return to St. James' Park. The New York Times reports he was well marshalled by centre-backs Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman, feeding off scraps and blazing an effort over the bar after 69 minutes. For Liverpool, midfield issues persisted: The New York Times notes that Iraola's two advanced midfielders, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, were both in Newcastle's box when the ball turned over for Elanga's goal. The New York Times reports that a defensive-minded midfield profile is something Iraola does not currently have in his squad.