Andoni Iraola has some familiar problems to solve at Liverpool, and the late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty cannot paper over the significant issues that need fixing
Andoni Iraola on the touchline during Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool.
Andoni Iraola on the touchline during Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Considering this was the start of a new era for Liverpool, there were an awful lot of familiar frailties on show. Andoni Iraola has work to do.
Indeed, this could be a defining week for his side, with lots of moves still required in the transfer market, both in and out. At least two more forwards are a must, while Iraola didn’t rule out other positions being strengthened if the right opportunity crops up. On this evidence, it is probably a good job.
So often what unfolded last season — even though it was on repeat — felt like a surprise to the Liverpool players involved at the scene of the crimes. And here, just five minutes into the new campaign, the Reds fell behind.
READ MORE: Alexander Isak reaction speaks volumes as Szoboszlai saves Liverpool late - 5 talking points
Had you said the goals conceded — the second just as much as the first — were replays from Arne Slot’s doomed second year at the helm, most Liverpool fans would have believed you.
"You don't want to concede transitions," Iraola said post-match "We have been preparing during the week for transitions, but this is football and there is a reason why Newcastle are so good there."
Newcastle was good, yes, but Liverpool didn't do the basics. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai had too much space to cover between them, and once the first line of the press was played through, the Reds were in trouble.
There is a glaring midfield imbalance in games like these, where it is obvious that an extra man is required. Perhaps in time the extra attacker — Florian Wirtz, who was so high upfield he was essentially a striker — can work a treat, but when it goes wrong, it looks horrendous.
Andoni Iraola manager / head coach of Liverpool applauds the fans at full time following the Premier League match against Newcastle
Liverpool fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle in their opening Premier League match(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
It isn't as if Newcastle's proficiency on the counter is a secret, either.
"It's a shame for us because I think we've controlled quite well over all the game and we haven't conceded too much," Iraola continued.
"You always are going to concede, playing against Newcastle here, but they've been also very, very good. When we've had these open spaces, you have to give credit to them.
"I think it's just not personnel. I understand, you are telling me basically that Ryan Gravenberch is the six and he is on the edge of the box, but if he shoots and he scores we are saying what a play from Ryan Gravenberch.
"I also don't want to take this from his game, but we have to adapt as a team to these situations and we have to know that these situations can happen."
How open Liverpool was on the counter was the biggest issue, and that led to both goals. But there were other faults to pick as well.
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For instance, someone — Gravenberch, maybe — should have taken a yellow card and brought Yoane Wissa down when he strode down the center to tee up Joe Willock for the second.
And in forward areas, while Victor Munoz looked lively and won the penalty that Szoboszlai slammed home, there was a limitation because of a lack of options available.
Alexander Isak, who performed very badly, much to the delight of those in the home end, desperately needed to be replaced, but there was no one to come on for him. Rio Ngumoha, playing his second-best role, was pocketed by Lewis Hall on the Liverpool right.
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The performances of Jeremy Jacquet and Cody Gakpo were the positives, but there remains a lot for Iraola — and sporting director Richard Hughes — to fix.
Szoboszlai ultimately saved Liverpool, as he so often did last year, but the Reds were at St James' Park almost 12 months ago to the day when a late strike — on that occasion from Ngumoha — papered over the cracks. The same can’t be allowed to happen again.