Liverpool Rescue Dramatic 2-2 Draw at Newcastle as Szoboszlai Strikes Late | OneFootball

Iraola will know the late escape cannot hide some familiar concerns

Dominik Szoboszlai rescued Liverpool with virtually the final kick at St James’ Park, converting a stoppage time penalty to earn Andoni Iraola’s side a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

For much of the evening, it appeared Matthias Jaissle would begin his Newcastle reign with victory. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring before Cody Gakpo levelled after the interval, only for substitute Joe Willock to restore Newcastle’s advantage two minutes later.

Then came the final twist.

Victor Munoz was brought down by Lewis Hall inside the penalty area and Szoboszlai accepted responsibility. There was no hesitation. The Hungary international smashed his penalty into the roof of the net, silencing St James’ Park and sparing Liverpool an opening day defeat.

Keegan Tribute Sets Emotional Tone

Football felt secondary before kick off as supporters from both clubs united to remember Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.

Few figures connect Liverpool and Newcastle quite like Keegan. Both sets of supporters understood his importance, and St James’ Park produced a fitting tribute.

A huge tifo depicting Keegan alongside the words “King Kev” dominated one stand. In the centre circle sat a poignant display featuring shirts that had been left outside the stadium following news of his death.

A minute’s applause followed before attention returned to the football.

Newcastle channelled that emotion immediately.

William Osula released Elanga behind the Liverpool defence and the winger showed the composure that was too often missing last season, steering his finish into the far corner.

It was Elanga’s first Newcastle goal and exactly the sort of start Jaissle would have wanted.

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle Offer Jaissle Reasons for Optimism

Newcastle players sank towards the turf at full time. Victory had been seconds away and two points had disappeared against a side they will expect to challenge around the upper reaches of the Premier League table.

The frustration will linger, although Jaissle should still take encouragement from the performance.

Newcastle have undergone considerable change.

Eddie Howe departed after a long spell in charge, while Bruno Guimaraes joined defending champions Arsenal and Sandro Tonali moved to Tottenham. Losing two midfielders of that quality would destabilise almost any team.

Jaissle has arrived with a reputation for aggressive pressing and high intensity football, and both qualities were visible throughout the opening stages.

Liverpool struggled with Newcastle’s speed and movement. Elanga was particularly effective, linking intelligently with Osula and repeatedly threatening space around Liverpool’s defence.

Yoane Wissa also caused problems and should probably have settled the game late on. He raced clear with the chance to establish a two goal advantage, only to shoot directly at Alisson.

That miss became increasingly significant.

Gakpo Keeps Liverpool Alive

Liverpool improved after the break and Gakpo produced their best moment from open play.

The Dutchman found space outside the penalty area and guided an accurate effort beyond Lukas Hornicek to make it 1-1.

For Liverpool, the relief lasted barely two minutes.

Willock emerged from the bench and immediately restored Newcastle’s lead, finishing clinically into the bottom corner and exposing Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability once again.

From that point, Iraola’s side pushed forward desperately.

Liverpool ended the game with 60% possession and 27 attempts, statistics suggesting control and territorial pressure. The reality was considerably less convincing.

Too many performances fell below the required standard.

Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez endured difficult evenings in the full back positions, while Alexander Isak struggled to impose himself on his first return to St James’ Park since completing his £125m Liverpool move last September.

Gakpo carried most of Liverpool’s attacking threat, which makes uncertainty around his future all the more uncomfortable.

Tottenham continue to be linked with the forward and Liverpool can hardly afford to weaken an attack already attempting to adapt under a new head coach.

Photo: IMAGO

Iraola Has Work to Do

Liverpool deserve credit for continuing until the final seconds. That determination earned them something from a game that appeared lost.

It should not obscure what happened beforehand.

Hall’s late challenge on Munoz offered Liverpool one final opportunity and Szoboszlai dealt with the pressure superbly. His finish was emphatic and ensured Iraola’s first Premier League game in charge did not end in defeat.

Liverpool, however, remain a team requiring work.

Possession without authority means little, and 27 shots matter less when the opposition consistently carries the greater threat in decisive moments.

This week in the transfer market now assumes even greater importance.

Liverpool have decisions to make over possible departures, Gakpo among them, while reinforcements may still be required if Iraola is to shape the squad around his demands.

Szoboszlai’s penalty changed the scoreline.

It did not change the evidence.

Liverpool escaped St James’ Park with a point, and their new head coach will already know there is plenty that needs fixing.