Liverpool’s late equaliser against Newcastle didn’t fool the media into believing all is rosy, with the Reds desperately in need of squad reinforcements.
Andoni Iraola‘s first competitive match in charge didn’t go to plan, with Dominik Szoboszlai bailing him out in the dying seconds to snatch a 2-2 draw.
Here’s how the media reacted to Liverpool’s opening-day point at St James’ Park.
This was a horribly flawed Reds performance…
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Sunday August 23, 2026.
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Sunday August 23, 2026.
ESPN’s Beth Lindop couldn’t ignore the fact that it was a “worrying” display by the Reds:
“A good point for Liverpool in the circumstances but a worrying performance. Frailties from last season persist, with few players staking a claim to retain their place.
“Much more needed from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. The midfield a big issue. Thought Araujo looked good.”
David Lynch also didn’t hold back in his criticism, both in terms of the team and individuals:
“Andoni Iraola will be utterly delighted with that point because it was one that Liverpool did not deserve.
“Given the time of year, all the focus will be on transfer-based solutions, but that was poor all across the pitch and they won’t be signing 11 new players, that’s for sure.”
The Athletic‘s Andy Jones focused on Liverpool’s midfield, which looked horribly open throughout:
“Concerns have been raised about the space that pre-season opponents have exposed between Iraola’s midfield pivot and defence. Newcastle wasted no time in doing the same, as they exploited that exact area to open the scoring after four minutes.
“Iraola plays with two midfielders and he wants them to be aggressive and forward-thinking. The risk is that if they are both in high positions and Liverpool turn the ball over, the team is in trouble.
“It is what led to Elanga’s goal. Ryan Gravenberch saw his pass intercepted on the edge of the area and as the ball turned over, he was standing next to his midfield partner Szoboszlai, who was also in the Newcastle box. They were Liverpool’s two furthest forward players at that moment.”
Gary Rose of BBC Sport is another who didn’t allow the late goal to change his opinion of Liverpool:
“Liverpool deserve credit for not giving up and fighting until the end, but the draw will only paper over some of the cracks that had been on display.
“The Reds had 60 percent possession and 27 attempts on goal but despite that too many players had below-par games.”
The Daily Mail‘s Lewis Steele couldn’t help but draw comparisons to last season, with Szoboszlai again stepping up:
“Dominik Szoboszlai bailing out Liverpool to get a result that was maybe undeserved.
“Where have we seen this before?”
But the Mail‘s Ian Ladyman was more positive, saying the Reds deserved at least a point on the day:
“It felt like a huge moment in Iraola’s early days. Defeat in game one would have weighed heavily. It was, however, the very most his team deserved.
“On this evidence the problems the Spaniard has inherited from Slot will take a while to solve.
“Centre forward Alexander Isak – booed throughout by Newcastle fans on his return to St James’ Park – continued to look drained of any kind of belief or attacking instinct while Liverpool once again looked horribly vulnerable against a team able to break on them at speed.”
New signings will surely arrive this coming week…
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola reacts during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 22, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola reacts during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Jones went on to stress the need for a defensive midfielder to be brought in:
“A starting-calibre, defensive-minded midfield profile is something that Iraola does not have in his squad.
“They are unlikely to add one before the end of the window, with priorities focused elsewhere, but it is an area Liverpool must improve — otherwise, teams will continue to target it.”
?? "Liverpool don't have that profile of player right now"
Daniel Sturridge says Liverpool need to sign a defensive midfielder in this transfer window ? pic.twitter.com/ujtIhl5ek0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2026
Rose says more business is imperative for Liverpool, and selling goalscorer Cody Gakpo shouldn’t be on their list of priorities:
“Liverpool most dangerous player was Gakpo, yet his future at the club is uncertain amid links with a move to Tottenham, and what happens this week in the transfer market – both in terms of incomings and outgoings – could prove pivotal in determining the sort of season Andoni Iraola‘s side will have.”
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 25, 2023: Former Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge, working for Sky Sports, during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)