Alexander Isak played against Newcastle United for the first time following his £130m move to Liverpool.
Alexander Isak received a hostile reception on his return to St James’ Park.
A last-minute Dominik Szoboszlai penalty rescued a point for Liverpool in their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
Newcastle got off to a flyer in Mattias Jaissle’s first game in charge as Anthony Elanga scored inside the opening five minutes.
Cody Gakpo equalised in the 55th minute but the Reds were only level for two minutes after Joe Willock scored just moments after coming on as a substitute.
The Magpies were seconds away from victory but a penalty conceded by Lewis Hall for a challenge on substitute Victor Munoz in the 95th minute saw Szoboszlai level.
Despite it being Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving Newcastle for Liverpool in a £130million British record move last summer, it was Szoboszlai who stepped up from the spot.
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Why Alexander Isak didn’t take Liverpool penalty v Newcastle United
Newcastle fans on social media have accused Isak of ‘bottling it’, having been the penalty taker during his time on Tyneside.
Asked why Szoboszlai stepped up ahead of Isak, Reds boss Andoni Iraola said: ““I think we have not only Dom and Alexander, we have more very good penalty specialists. Alexis was also on the pitch, he's a very good penalty taker. Cody. We have a lot.
“But I think Dom showed the level. It's an almost impossible penalty to stop. I was happy with it.
“I also think there is a clear penalty for Victor again, I think the referee whistled just before so they cannot give it to you. But I think it was even more clear than the second one.
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“I'm happy also for Victor. He has created problems for his opposition. I think these players on the bench that can enter games are going to be important for us.”
Howe Alexander Isak reacted to St James’ Park reception
The Swede was given a hostile reception after he went on strike to force a move to Anfield.
Reflecting on Isak’s performance, Irola added: “I think he expected a little bit the atmosphere, I don't think [it] has been a big surprise for him. I think he has tried everything, has given us good positions on the ball.
“[He] probably has had a couple of situations to finish inside the box, but probably not the clearest that he wanted or we wanted, but I value that. He has continued pushing on in the game, fighting, and I think it's a good step for Alex for being the first game.”