Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty to rescue Liverpool from defeat as Andoni Iraola’s Premier League reign began with a dramatic 2-2 draw at Newcastle United.
Anthony Elanga gave Newcastle an early lead at St James’ Park before Cody Gakpo levelled shortly after half-time. Joe Willock then restored the hosts’ advantage, but substitute Victor Muñoz won a late penalty that Szoboszlai dispatched to deny Newcastle a memorable opening-day victory.
The result extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run against Newcastle to 20 matches, while Iraola avoided defeat against the Magpies in English football. Liverpool also maintained their record of avoiding defeat in their opening league fixture for a 13th consecutive season.
For much of the afternoon, however, it was Newcastle who looked more convincing under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Elanga gives Newcastle early advantage
The hosts needed only five minutes to punish Liverpool after winning possession deep in the visitors’ half.
William Osula drove forward before setting up Elanga, who kept his composure to beat Alisson and put Newcastle ahead. Liverpool attempted to respond through Florian Wirtz and Gakpo, but neither could seriously trouble Lukas Hornicek before the interval.
Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to convert that control into clear opportunities. Newcastle were more dangerous when they attacked quickly, repeatedly finding space behind Liverpool’s defensive structure.
The first half therefore ended with Jaissle’s side holding a deserved lead and Iraola facing an early test in his first competitive match in charge.
Gakpo levels before Willock strikes
Liverpool eventually found their equaliser 10 minutes after the restart.
Ryan Gravenberch supplied Gakpo, who created space before sending a low drive from distance beyond Hornicek to make it 1-1.
Newcastle responded almost immediately.
Jaissle turned to his bench and introduced Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock. Willock needed less than a minute to make his impact, finishing a rapid Newcastle counterattack after good work from Yoane Wissa.
The substitute’s goal restored Newcastle’s lead and shifted the pressure back onto Liverpool.
The Reds subsequently increased their attacking presence, with Iraola introducing Muñoz and Alexis Mac Allister in an attempt to find another route through Newcastle’s defence. Ronald Araújo was also brought on later in the second half as Liverpool continued to search for an equaliser.
Muñoz wins late penalty for Liverpool
Newcastle appeared to have done enough to secure three points as the clock moved into stoppage time.
Hornicek produced important interventions and the hosts remained dangerous on the counterattack, while Liverpool’s possession increasingly became a search for an opening rather than sustained control of the match.
Then came the decisive moment.
Muñoz, introduced in the second half, moved into the Newcastle penalty area in the closing stages before Lewis Hall brought him down. Referee Stuart Attwell awarded the penalty, with the decision subsequently upheld following a VAR review.
Szoboszlai took responsibility and made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball beyond Hornicek to complete Liverpool’s late escape.
The Hungarian midfielder’s penalty in the ninth minute of added time ensured Iraola left Newcastle with a point despite Liverpool spending long periods looking vulnerable against the hosts’ direct attacking approach.
Liverpool survive a difficult start under Iraola
The draw offered Liverpool an important result but also exposed areas that Iraola will need to address.
The new Liverpool manager’s side dominated possession for extended periods but struggled to prevent Newcastle from exploiting transitions. Newcastle repeatedly threatened when they moved the ball forward quickly, while Liverpool’s attacking pressure did not always produce clear-cut chances.
The visitors nevertheless showed the resilience required to recover twice from a losing position.
For Newcastle, the disappointment will centre on the late penalty after a performance that suggested Jaissle has already begun to establish a more aggressive identity. The Magpies pressed with purpose and looked particularly effective when attacking the spaces left by Liverpool’s possession-heavy approach.
The match also carried added significance because both clubs paid tribute before kick-off to Kevin Keegan, the former player and manager who died in July aged 75. Keegan had a major connection with both Newcastle and Liverpool, making the occasion an emotional one for supporters at St James’ Park.
Liverpool ultimately leave Tyneside with a point that looked unlikely in the closing stages. Newcastle, meanwhile, will take encouragement from a performance that came close to producing a statement victory on Jaissle’s Premier League debut.
