Dominik Szoboszlai converted a penalty in the 99th minute to secure a 2-2 draw for Liverpool at St James' Park, denying Newcastle United victory in the Premier League opener for new manager Matthias Jaissle. The dramatic finish came after Lewis Hall was adjudged to have fouled substitute Víctor Muñoz in the closing stages, with the equaliser arriving in the ninth minute of added time.
Newcastle had twice taken the lead through Anthony Elanga's fifth-minute opener and Joe Willock's strike in the 57th minute, but Liverpool equalised through Cody Gakpo in the 55th before Szoboszlai's late intervention. The result extended Liverpool's unbeaten run at St James' Park to 10 games, though Jaissle's debut in the Newcastle dugout ended without the victory he sought.
Yoane Wissa emerged as Newcastle's standout performer, operating in the number 10 position under Jaissle's management. The midfielder's aggressive approach and ball-carrying ability proved instrumental in setting up Willock's goal, showcasing the added responsibility the new manager has entrusted to him following his two-goal display in a pre-season friendly against Valencia.
How did Newcastle perform?
Newcastle's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed despite a spirited display. Lukas Hornicek made an assured Premier League debut with a flying save to deny Florian Wirtz in the first half, though he was powerless to prevent Willock's well-taken finish. The goalkeeper's composure in possession suggested he could develop into a reliable option for the club.
The backline showed promise in patches. Amar Dedic, making his competitive debut just days after his £30m arrival from Benfica, made a crucial intervention early on to block a dangerous pass intended for Cody Gakpo. Malick Thiaw captained the side in Dan Burn's absence and battled throughout, while Sven Botman appeared more assured than during pre-season, though he was among those who retreated for Gakpo's equaliser.
Lewis Hall's evening ended in controversy when he was penalised for the foul that led to Szoboszlai's penalty, a harsh conclusion to an otherwise solid performance in which he had dealt competently with Newcastle's attacking threats.
In midfield, Lewis Miley demonstrated why he has become such an important player despite limited pre-season action following his recovery from a broken leg. His crossfield pass to send Dedic down the right drew applause from supporters. Sean Steur, at just 18 years old, showed composure on his Premier League debut, though his passing accuracy was inconsistent.
Anthony Elanga's clinical finish for the opening goal proved the difference-maker in the first half, rewarding his enterprising approach play. William Osula led the breakaway that resulted in Elanga's goal and made a sensible decision to release his teammate, though he departed with a knock before the hour mark.
Joe Willock's introduction as a substitute had immediate impact. Arriving on the pitch in the 55th minute, he required little invitation to finish his chance, demonstrating the kind of clinical edge Newcastle will need throughout the season.
What went wrong for Liverpool?
Liverpool's defending proved problematic throughout the contest, particularly in transition. Alexander Isak, returning to St James' Park for the first time since his £125m transfer to Liverpool last summer, was booed by the home crowd whenever he touched the ball. Despite appearing mentally prepared for the occasion, the striker failed to make a meaningful contribution and squandered a clear opportunity when the score stood at 2-1.
Jeremie Frimpong endured a difficult afternoon at right-back, lacking the final delivery despite venturing into promising positions down the flank. His booking for tripping Harvey Barnes highlighted his defensive struggles. Milos Kerkez similarly struggled to contain Newcastle's attacking play and was cautioned in the first half after failing to keep pace with Elanga for the opening goal.
Rio Ngumoha, who had scored the winner when Liverpool visited St James' Park the previous season, found the experience far more challenging this time. The teenager's attempts down the right flank failed to gain traction, and he was replaced after the hour mark. Florian Wirtz showed encouraging moments and came close to scoring after Hornicek's excellent save denied him, but he too was withdrawn early in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk could have engaged more decisively with Osula in the build-up to Newcastle's first goal, though Elanga's run and finish were of high quality. Van Dijk also acknowledged that Liverpool should have prevented Willock's shot for the second goal.
Alisson, Liverpool's goalkeeper, was arguably poorly positioned for Elanga's opener and could do nothing to stop Willock's strike. Jeremy Jacquet made an encouraging Premier League debut with assured passing and range, though he must improve his defensive awareness.
Key performances
Dominik Szoboszlai was caught out of position during Newcastle's counter-attacking moves and delivered an unusually average performance by his standards, yet he demonstrated composure when it mattered most by converting his penalty in injury-time. Ryan Gravenberch made his 100th Premier League appearance and provided the assist for Gakpo's equaliser, though his loose pass contributed to Newcastle's opening goal.
Cody Gakpo threatened throughout and unleashed a brilliant strike to level the score in the 55th minute, providing a timely reminder of his quality amid speculation surrounding his future at the club. Víctor Muñoz, introduced as a substitute in the 63rd minute, made an immediate impression and won the crucial penalty that led to Szoboszlai's dramatic finish.
Alexis Mac Allister came on to provide stability in front of the backline, while Ronald Araujo performed his defensive duties competently after replacing Jacquet.
What happens next?
Newcastle travel to Leeds United for their next Premier League fixture on 30 August 2026, seeking to build on this draw and secure their first victory under Jaissle. Liverpool host Arsenal on 31 August 2026 as they look to bounce back from the dropped points at St James' Park.
Key facts
- Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty secured Liverpool's draw after Lewis Hall was penalised for fouling Víctor Muñoz
- Newcastle led 2-1 through goals from Elanga (5th minute) and Willock (57th minute), with Gakpo equalising in the 55th
- Yoane Wissa impressed in the number 10 role, setting up Willock's goal with his ball-carrying ability
- Alexander Isak failed to make an impact on his return to St James' Park as a Liverpool player
- The result extended Liverpool's unbeaten run at Newcastle to 10 games
