Dominik Szoboszlai scored a 96th-minute penalty to earn Liverpool a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in Andoni Iraola's first match as manager. The visitors looked set for defeat until substitute Victor Munoz fell under a clumsy challenge from Lewis Hall, allowing Szoboszlai to smash the resulting spot-kick high into the top corner with his right foot.
The penalty arrived with Newcastle leading 2-1 and just 30 seconds of added time remaining. It rescued a point for Liverpool, who were comfortably dominant in possession but struggled defensively against the home side's rapid counter-attacks. Iraola inherited a squad that appeared just as vulnerable as they did under Arne Slot, who was sacked last season.
Thousands of supporters at St James' Park, known locally as the Cathedral on the Hill, paid tribute to the late Kevin Keegan before kick-off. Keegan, a legendary figure for both clubs, would have recognised the bravery and energy shown by a Newcastle side now managed by German coach Matthias Jaissle.
Alexander Isak endured a difficult afternoon on his return to Tyneside. The Swedish forward, who left Newcastle for Liverpool, smiled when jeered by home fans during the warm-up but looked drained of belief during the game. He scooped one very good chance over the crossbar and remained on the pitch only because Iraola lacked alternatives on the bench.
Early breakthrough for Newcastle
Newcastle underwent significant squad changes over the summer following the departure of Eddie Howe. Only Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga remained in the starting line-up from the corresponding fixture a year ago, which Liverpool won 3-2. Three new signings started and three more were on the bench.
The hosts took the lead after just five minutes following a mistake by Ryan Gravenberch, who had been a stronger performer during Liverpool's difficulties last season. The midfielder found space 25 yards from the Newcastle goal but passed square to his left across the penalty area, allowing Will Osula to intercept.
Osula carried the ball out of his own half and released Elanga to his right. Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez was unable to keep pace, and with goalkeeper Alisson refusing to advance beyond his six-yard line, Elanga slid a low right-foot finish across the goal and into the far corner.
Liverpool equalise through Gakpo
Liverpool created sporadic chances in a frenetic first half. New Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek saved a low effort from the left by Florian Wirtz, while home defenders threw their bodies in the way to block several other attempts from decent positions.
The visitors lacked fluency, particularly on the right side where Jeremie Frimpong and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha failed to establish an understanding. Ngumoha, whose lack of playing time frustrated Liverpool fans last season despite scoring the winner in this fixture a year ago, struggled against the impressive Hall.
Liverpool found an equaliser in the 55th minute. Dutch forward Cody Gakpo was afforded too much space and struck a low right-foot shot into the bottom corner. The visitors briefly threatened to take control, camping deep in Newcastle territory, before another counter-attack undid them.
Willock restores home advantage
Breaking with six players against two, Yoane Wissa carried the ball from his own half while the Liverpool defence hesitated. Wissa fed substitute Joe Willock on the left edge of the penalty area, and the 27-year-old curled a right-foot finish in off Alisson's left-hand post to make it 2-1.
Newcastle should have secured the victory, which would have been a perfect start for Jaissle, but Wissa failed to convert two late chances. The Congo forward missed at the near post from a low cross, and with five minutes remaining, shot too close to Alisson when played clear.
Wissa was substituted in the 95th minute, and the added time allowed Liverpool one final attack. Hall committed a clear foul on Munoz, setting up Szoboszlai to secure a draw.
