Liverpool salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on a dramatic afternoon at St. James' Park, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a penalty in the 96th minute to level the match. The result offered a measure of relief for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola in his early days at the club.
Newcastle took an early lead in the fifth minute when Anthony Elanga finished a swift counter-attack. The home side held their advantage into halftime, with Liverpool appearing hesitant and struggling to find fluency. Newcastle's defense, marshaled by impressive left-back Lewis Hall, largely contained Liverpool's attack, including Alexander Isak, who faced boos from the home crowd upon his return.
Early in the second half, Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool in the 55th minute with a low shot. However, Newcastle quickly responded with a superb counter-attack, finished by Joe Willock, to go ahead again. Newcastle had further opportunities to extend their lead, notably through Yoane Wissa, but failed to convert.
As the match entered stoppage time, Lewis Hall's challenge on substitute Victor Munoz resulted in a penalty for Liverpool. Szoboszlai stepped up and converted the penalty into the top corner, securing a point for his team. The late equalizer felt like a significant moment for Iraola's Liverpool, who, on evidence from the match, still face challenges inherited from the previous season.
Newcastle, under new coach Matthias Jaissle, will be left to rue missed chances that could have secured a victory in their first match of the season. The team showed bravery and commitment, but lapses in concentration allowed Liverpool back into the game, a recurring theme from the previous campaign. The match saw significant squad turnover for Newcastle since their last encounter with Liverpool at St. James' Park a year prior.