Newcastle vs Liverpool Review
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a last-minute penalty to help Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool secure a 2-2 draw against Matthias Jaissle’s Newcastle United in the Premier League. This marks the second consecutive season that Liverpool has dramatically changed the outcome in stoppage time at St James’ Park. Despite having a new coach, Liverpool faced familiar issues as they were easily caught out by a straightforward counter-attack, with Anthony Elanga calmly finishing to give Newcastle the lead in the fifth minute. The game maintained a fast pace, with Florian Wirtz nearly equalizing for Liverpool, but debutant goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček made a strong save to push the ball past the post.
On the other side, the lively Yoane Wissa delivered a clever pass behind the defense for William Osula, forcing Jérémy Jacquet to stretch fully to clear the ball to safety. At the start of the second half, Elanga was nearly clear again during another fast break that threatened to catch Liverpool off guard. Shortly after, a slightly more accurate pass from Wissa could have put Osula through on goal, as the visitors appeared vulnerable at the back while pushing players forward. However, their efforts paid off when Cody Gakpo fired in an equalizer from outside the penalty area, shortly after narrowly missing a shot over the bar.
Despite this, Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses remained evident, and Newcastle quickly regained the lead when Joe Willock skillfully navigated through the defense and expertly placed his shot beyond Alisson Becker. The Magpies had a chance to extend their lead from a teasing cross by Lewis Hall, but Wissa, stretching to reach it, failed to make solid contact. Later, the striker had another great opportunity, only for Alisson to deny him in a one-on-one situation. In the final moments, Hall fouled substitute Víctor Muñoz in the box, leading to a penalty. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and powerfully struck the ball into the top corner, securing a point for his team.
Liverpool’s thrilling draw narrowly preserves their league record of 14 consecutive seasons without losing on the opening day, while Iraola continues to hold the longest unbeaten managerial run in the division (8 wins, 11 draws). For Newcastle, it marks 20 league matches in a row without a victory against Liverpool, and a harsh Premier League introduction for Jaissle.
