Dominik Szoboszlai scores a late penalty to secure Liverpool a 2-2 draw at Newcastle
Dominik Szoboszlai scores a late penalty to secure Liverpool a 2-2 draw at Newcastle
Dominik Szoboszlai's last-gasp penalty earned Andoni Iraola a debut Liverpool point to deny Newcastle a deserved win on Matthias Jaissle's managerial debut in a pulsating 2-2 draw at St James' Park.
In the battle of two of the Premier League's newest head coaches, it was Jaissle's Magpies who adapted the quicker to their task despite his own admission the club still faces a "huge challenge" this summer, until Lewis Hall's 96th-minute challenge on Victor Munoz allowed Szoboszlai to rescue a draw.
Jaissle's side had flown out of the blocks, perhaps motivated by the pre-match tributes to Newcastle and Liverpool great Kevin Keegan, observed from all four sides of the stadium, and raced into a fifth-minute victory once Will Osula set Anthony Elanga away over the half-way line to net his first league goal for the club.
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It owed something, too, to Liverpool's over-exuberant midfield with Osula left up against the visitors' two centre-backs to make the opener from a single pass from the edge of the Newcastle area.
Much had been expected of Alexander Isak on his first return to St James' Park after a much-needed uninterrupted pre-season, but it was the chorus of boos which met his every touch which won out comfortably on a disappointing afternoon for the striker.
Cody Gakpo, who may well depart Anfield inside the next eight days, was instead their most dangerous asset, making the most of their bright start to the second period with a pinpoint low drive beating Lukas Hornicek 10 minutes after the break to level.
The away fans were still celebrating by the time Newcastle once again took advantage of those midfield issues three minutes later, with the impressive Yoane Wissa beating several players before feeding Joe Willock to restore the hosts' lead.
Both sides traded half-chances in the closing stages but Liverpool failed to lay a real glove on Newcastle until Munoz was brought down by Hall and Szoboszlai's emphatic penalty snatched a point for Iraola, whose side looked well off the level of his demands on the evidence of their opening showing.
More to follow...
Matthias Jaissle's new Newcastle United side go ahead against Liverpool thanks to Anthony Elanga's early goal.
Cody Gakpo levels for Liverpool against Newcastle in the second half.
Joe Willock puts Newcastle 2-1 up against Liverpool after barely being on the pitch a minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai scores a late penalty for Liverpool to level the match with Newcastle after Victor Munoz was taken down in the box by Lewis Hall.
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