Alexander Isak endured a frustrating return to Newcastle as Liverpool was held to a 2-2 draw in its opening Premier League game of the season
Alexander Isak of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match against Newcastle United
Alexander Isak started Liverpool's opening Premier League game of the season against Newcastle United(Image: Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak endured a difficult afternoon up against his former club, Newcastle United, and he certainly made his feelings clear.
The Swede was subjected to a torrent of chants before kickoff, but failed to make a statement of his own as Liverpool just about managed a 2-2 draw at St. James' Park. The Reds were cut open for Anthony Elanga's opening goal in the first half, but managed to force their way back into it after the break through Cody Gakpo.
That said, just moments after the equalizer, Newcastle restored its lead with a well-worked counterattack, this time with substitute Joe Willock providing the finish. Liverpool still had a little over 30 minutes to strike back, but its lack of conviction in the final third was on full display.
Liverpool's woes were laid bare a little after the 70th minute, as Isak found himself in a dangerous position, but a poor cross from Milos Kerkez evaded the striker altogether. He made his feelings abundantly clear with a shout of "Milos!" in pure frustration, before putting his head in his hands.
Isak, though, could not be absolved of any blame as his finishing was haphazard at best. Minutes before Kerkez's poor cross, he blasted an effort over the bar and later miscued a header in the final 10 minutes as he failed to get on the scoresheet.
Fortunately for Liverpool, one player who did make something of an impact was summer signing Victor Munoz. The winger replaced Rio Ngumoha in the second half and, deep into stoppage time, was tripped by Lewis Hall to win a last-gasp penalty.
Isak was still on the pitch, but it was one of the newly appointed vice-captains in Dominik Szoboszlai who stepped up to take the spot kick. Much to the relief of Andoni Iraola, and every Liverpool fan watching on, he struck the ball brilliantly to find the top corner and clinch a not particularly deserved point.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match against Newcastle
Milos Kerkez delivered a poor cross to teammate Alexander Isak(Image: Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
There's plenty for Iraola to ponder after he finally got to see where his team is at in a competitive fixture. The disappointing play in the final third is arguably the least of his concerns, with midfield and full-back problems equally, if not more, frustrating.
Liverpool's hierarchy has 10 days to complete its summer business, which has so far included the signings of Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona, as well as Munoz from Osasuna. There is still a glaring Mohamed Salah-shaped hole in the squad, with the club yet to replace its talisman.
Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are two players who have been heavily linked with a switch to Anfield, but so far negotiations with the French club have reached a stalemate. Brighton's Yankuba Minteh is another player the Reds have shown an interest in, but he is equally as expensive and currently injured.
Another decision that needs to be made is over the future of Gakpo. The Dutchman was on the scoresheet against Newcastle with the initial equalizer, but has been linked with a move away this summer, with Premier League rival Tottenham rumored to be interested.