Szoboszlai’s Late Penalty Rescues Liverpool In Thrilling Newcastle Draw

Liverpool were forced to settle for a point after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle United in their Premier League opener at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Newcastle made a flying start under new manager Matthias Jaissle, taking the lead after just five minutes through Anthony Elanga, who finished William Osula’s assist to send the home crowd into raptures.

Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm in the opening half and went into the interval trailing 1-0.

The visitors responded strongly after the restart, with Cody Gakpo drawing Liverpool level in the 55th minute after being set up by Ryan Gravenberch.

Newcastle, however, restored their advantage just two minutes later when substitute Joe Willock struck to make it 2-1.

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser as the game entered its closing stages, but Newcastle appeared set to hold on for a memorable victory.

The Reds were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, and Dominik Szoboszlai kept his composure to convert in the ninth minute of added time and secure a share of the spoils.

The result means both sides begin the campaign with a point, although Newcastle will feel they came agonisingly close to claiming all three after twice holding the lead.

The match also marked the competitive debuts of Jaissle and Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who will both take encouragement from aspects of their teams’ performances despite being denied victory.

For Liverpool, Szoboszlai’s last-gasp penalty avoided a defeat, but Iraola’s side will know there is plenty to improve on after conceding twice at a hostile St James’ Park.

Newcastle, meanwhile, produced an energetic performance and looked capable of causing problems under their new manager, only to be denied victory by Liverpool’s late resilience.