A last-minute Dominik Szoboszlai penalty saw Newcastle United held to a 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool.
New boss Matthias Jaissle handed Premier League debuts to Lukas Hornicek, Amar Dedic and Sean Steur, with the latter partnering Lewis Miley in midfield.
Hornick started in goal behind a back four of Dedic, Malick Thiaw, who captained the side, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall, while Yoane Wissa lined up behind Will Osula in attack with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes on either flank.
Club captain Dan Burn missed out on the squad after rolling his ankle in training and is expected to be out for at least a couple of weeks.
After a special tribute to Kevin Keegan, the first match of the Magpies’ season got underway and it ended up being the perfect start as Anthony Elanga opened the scoring inside five minutes.
Newcastle broke forward through Osula and he found Elanga in behind before the Swede slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to send St James’ Park into ecstasy.
The Magpies held out until the 55th minute before Cody Gakpo equalised after being given time and space to shoot from 25 yards out.
Jaissle reacted by bringing on Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock for Steur and Osula, and it proved to be an inspired double change with Willock immediately restoring his side’s lead.
Wissa carried the ball forward and Willock took charge by curling his effort into the bottom left corner.
United were seconds away from victory but conceded a penalty when Hall brought down substitute Victor Munoz. Dominik Szoboszali stepped up to equalise with one of the last kicks of the game.
Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:
Reacted brilliantly to get down quick and keep out Florian Wirtz’s shot in the 17th minute. The most assured he’s looked since signing.
Reacted brilliantly to get down quick and keep out Florian Wirtz’s shot in the 17th minute. The most assured he’s looked since signing.
Only joined on Monday but slotted into the system seaminglessly having worked with Matthias Jaissle before. Ran himself into the ground.
Only joined on Monday but slotted into the system seaminglessly having worked with Matthias Jaissle before. Ran himself into the ground.
Brilliantly stepped up to lead the team in the absence of captain Dan Burn and vice captain Joelinton.
Brilliantly stepped up to lead the team in the absence of captain Dan Burn and vice captain Joelinton.