Liverpool had to come from behind twice as they drew 2-2 with Newcastle at St James’ Park. Cody Gakpo scored from range to bring Liverpool level at 1-1 shortly after half-time. Within minutes Liverpool had conceded again and were chasing the game. In the sixth minute of five minutes added on, Victor Munoz managed to win a penalty after being fouled by Lewis Hall. Dominik Szoboszlai found the top corner from the penalty spot to gain Liverpool a point from their opening game.
Liverpool are very open on the counter
Both Newcastle goals were cut from the same cloth. Liverpool gave the ball away high up the pitch and Newcastle were able to break using their pacy attackers to get one-on-one with Alisson.
In both of these instances, Liverpool’s midfield was completely absent and Newcastle had their pick of passes as Van Dijk and Jacquet had to try and hold the line. This also highlighted how easily some real pace can cause serious damage to Liverpool as Elanga and Barnes were able to get in behind easily.
The relationship between Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai needs developing so that one hangs back while the other pushes to the edge of the box.
Depth is a serious problem
When Liverpool went 2-1 and Andoni Iraola turned to his bench to see his options, he must have been filled with some worry. Five minutes later he brought on Victor Munoz and Alexis Mac Allister, these seemed like the obvious attacking subs. Even then, Munoz was making his Premier League debut. When searching for a goal there was no other option than youngster Lewis Koumas. Gone are the days like in 2023, where Jurgen Klopp was able to turn to Darwin Nunez, who would later score the two goals to win the game. In 2019, Klopp was able to bring in Divock Origi to score the winner. While we have young talents on the bench, it doesn’t feel like Andoni Iraola has a game changer in attack.
Wirtz and Isak need to find their freedom
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are the two most expensive signings in Liverpool history and struggled in this game. Wirtz as the creator and Isak as the taget man finisher should be an unbelievable combination, but in their 12 months at the club, neither player has been able to find their feet. For Liverpool to compete on all fronts this season they need to get Isak back to the goalscoring calibre that he had when he was at Newcastle and Wirtz needs to find his Leverkusen form.
This is a process that will need time as the pair are still lacking time played together, but this is something that needs to be addressed quickly as Liverpool welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday for the early kick-off.
Liverpool player ratings: Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
Liverpool player ratings: Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
Liverpool announce confirmed lineup for Premier League opener vs Newcastle
Liverpool announce confirmed lineup for Premier League opener vs Newcastle