Liverpool’s Szoboszlai spot on with late, late leveller to salvage point at Newcastle
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Liverpool were forced to a dramatic 2-2 draw at Newcastle after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty, salvaging a point on an afternoon that instead belonged to the two clubs' new managers. Matthias Jaissle, only three weeks into his tenure as Kevin Keegan's latest successor at Newcastle, oversaw a re-energised and aggressively pressing side, while Andoni Iraola's Liverpool struggled defensively despite the technical quality of Florian Wirtz. Alexander Isak, returning to Newcastle for the first time since forcing a £125m move to Liverpool, was jeered by home fans and had little impact on the game.
Newcastle raced ahead inside five minutes when William Osula, exploiting a loose pass from Ryan Gravenberch, set up Anthony Elanga to beat Alisson. Jaissle, who inherited a team missing Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, drew impressive performances from new signings including 18-year-old Sean Steur and £30m recruit Amar Dedic, alongside a solid Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman pairing in defence. Liverpool responded through Cody Gakpo's long-range strike before Szoboszlai's stoppage-time penalty rescued a point deep into added time, with Isak largely anonymous throughout.
- Liverpool draw 2-2 at Newcastle via Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty.
- Newcastle's Jaissle impresses in only his third match in charge.
- Returning Alexander Isak jeered by fans, has quiet game.
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Newcastle's game against Liverpool marked the first Premier League outings for two new head coaches: Matthias Jaissle, who took charge at Newcastle three weeks ago after Eddie Howe's departure, and Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool. Both are known for aggressive, high-pressing styles of play, which shaped a fast, chaotic contest between the two sides.
The match also carried personal significance for Alexander Isak, the Newcastle striker who left the club for Liverpool last summer in an acrimonious £125m transfer. His return to St James' Park was closely watched, with Newcastle supporters making their feelings towards him clear throughout the game.
Newcastle have undergone significant squad changes this summer, losing established players including Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, and blooding new signings and young talent under Jaissle. The result and performances were being watched as an early indicator of how both clubs might fare under their new managers this season.