Szoboszlai denies Newcastle emotional win as Kevin Keegan tributes create poignant occasion  | OneFootball

Liverpool scored an injury time penalty to deny Newcastle United what would have been a brilliant win on the opening day of the season.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s spot kick into the top corner gave Lukas Horniceck no chance, and sent the travelling Liverpool fans wild.

Newcastle had twice led, first through Anthony Elanga and then Joe Willock, with Cody Gakpo scoring the Reds’ first leveller.

The match was one that Kevin Keegan himself would have been proud to be involved in. Newcastle’s ‘vertical football’ under Matthias Jaissle may only be in its infancy, but it was certainly evident in this match. 

The sea of black and white ahead of the match was simply stunning. Wor Flags had worked their magic and helped to create a brilliantly emotional spectacle for ‘King Kev’. Those in the away end also played their part.

However, no sooner did the flags come down, the atmosphere changed.

The chorus of boos in unison inside St. James’ Park was deafening as former Magpie Alexander Isak took the kick off for Liverpool. Not since Michael Owen returned to Tyneside with Manchester United has a former player received such a reception.

The boos had only just subsided when the noise inside the stadium went from ear-damaging to earth-shattering.

It came from Anthony Elanga opening the scoring for the hosts. His bursting run was found by William Osula, with Elanga exercising a demon by scoring the one-on-one chance, something he failed to do at Villa Park in the first game of last season.

Elanga looked like a man rejuvenated on the right wing, as did his teammate, Yoane Wissa. Both enjoyed fruitful World Cups with Sweden and the DR Congo respectively, and that transferred to Tyneside today.

Wissa in particular, who was playing in a deeper role, looked strong and combative – winning and using the ball well for his team.

Liverpool were threatening themselves, and forced Lukas Horniceck into a smart save low down to keep United ahead. It was nervy for Newcastle at times, but they reached the interval with their lead in tact.

The visitors knew though, that testing Hornicek was one thing, beating him was another. This they did just ten minutes into the second period, as Cody Gakpo’s effort from range crept inside the far post.

Newcastle should have been out to meet him earlier, and the Dutch forward needed no second invitation to take aim.

The lead did not last long. More brilliant play from Wissa twisted and tangled the Reds’ defence, before he released substitute Joe Willock to curl beautifully into the net. It was just what Newcastle needed, with Liverpool threatening to take control.

Both sides made a flurry of changes as the game wore on, with Liverpool perhaps tipping the balance in terms of momentum, but Newcastle remaining resolute in defence.

With only seconds remaining, Lewis Hall, who had also been stellar, brought down Victor Munoz in the box. Penalty. Up stepped Szoboszlai to ensure that the points were shared.