Liverpool’s Szoboszlai spot on with late, late leveller to salvage point at Newcastle
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Liverpool's Andoni Iraola endured a chastening Premier League debut as his side needed a stoppage-time Dominik Szoboszlai penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw at Newcastle, denying new head coach Matthias Jaissle a perfect start. Newcastle flew ahead inside five minutes when William Osula burst clear after Ryan Gravenberch lost possession, teeing up Anthony Elanga to beat Alisson, and it was Osula rather than the much-hyped returning Alexander Isak who dominated proceedings. The result underlines the chaotic, high-pressing approach both new managers are instilling, with Jaissle reviving a Newcastle side stripped of key departures just three weeks into his reign.
Isak, back at St James' Park for the first time since forcing a £125m move to Liverpool last summer, was jeered with chants of "rat, rat, rat" but appeared largely unbothered, failing to register a single shot in an anonymous first half. Jaissle's revamped side impressed further afield, with 18-year-old Ajax signing Sean Steur and Lewis Miley holding firm in midfield, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman excelling in defence, and £30m signing Amar Dedic shining on his debut at right-back, while Liverpool's Milos Kerkez struggled to contain Elanga throughout.
- Szoboszlai's late penalty rescues 1-1 draw for Liverpool at Newcastle
- Osula, not returning Isak, was Newcastle's standout performer
- New coaches Jaissle and Iraola both made rocky Premier League starts
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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.
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