Liverpool Snatch 2-2 Draw at Newcastle With Szoboszlai's Late Penalty

August 24, 2026 | 09:21 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Liverpool rescued a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in a dramatic Premier League opener at St James' Park on Sunday, August 23, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a stoppage-time penalty to deny the hosts victory.

According to ESPN, Anthony Elanga gave Newcastle an early lead in the fifth minute before Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool in the 55th minute. Joe Willock restored Newcastle's advantage just two minutes later with a long-range effort.

Newcastle appeared set to claim three points in Matthias Jaissle's first Premier League match as head coach. However, Liverpool were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after Lewis Hall fouled debutant Victor Munoz inside the box.

VAR confirmed the on-field decision, and Szoboszlai stepped up to take the penalty. The Hungary international sent the ball into the top corner in the ninth minute of added time to make it 2-2.

"It is a strange feeling," Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola said, as quoted by ESPN. "Before the game we wouldn't have signed for this result, but the way we scored the goal in the end, it tastes better."

The draw gave both new managers a point in their league debuts. Iraola replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool, while Jaissle succeeded Eddie Howe at Newcastle.

As reported by The Independent and cited by AOL, the late equalizer continued the tradition of dramatic encounters between the two clubs. Liverpool scored a 100th-minute winner at St James' Park last season, while this time Newcastle were denied victory by a 99th-minute equalizer.

Newcastle made a flying start when Elanga raced clear after receiving a pass from Will Osula before finishing past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. The hosts maintained their intensity and frequently threatened on the counterattack.

Liverpool responded after halftime when Gakpo drilled a shot from around 20 yards past goalkeeper Nick Pope to level the score.

Newcastle immediately regained the lead. Elanga launched another rapid attack and laid the ball off to Willock, who curled his first-touch effort beyond Alisson.

According to AOL, Newcastle's goals reflected the fast-transition football Jaissle wants to establish. Yoane Wissa played a key role in the second goal after carrying the ball forward before finding Willock.

Wissa, who joined Newcastle following Alexander Isak's departure, also came close to putting the match beyond Liverpool. He broke clear but was denied by Alisson in a one-on-one situation.

Alisson's save proved important as Liverpool eventually found an equalizer. The Brazil international was again crucial for the visitors, who struggled at times to contain Newcastle's counterattacks.

For Liverpool, Gakpo provided one of the team's biggest attacking threats, while Munoz made an immediate impression after coming off the bench. His run into the penalty area ultimately resulted in the late spot-kick.

The penalty also raised questions about Isak, who returned to St James' Park for the first time as a Liverpool player. The Swedish striker was booed whenever he touched the ball by Newcastle supporters and had little impact on the match.

Szoboszlai, rather than Isak, took responsibility for Liverpool's decisive penalty.

"More than 50,000 fans in the stadium against you. You can't hear your own voice," Szoboszlai said, as quoted by AOL. "That's why I love football and that's why I am doing it."

Newcastle's performance nevertheless provided Jaissle with plenty of encouragement despite the late setback. AOL reported that the hosts showed intensity, created dangerous transitions and received strong performances from several new signings.

Newcastle's late collapse also echoed a weakness from last season, when the team conceded too many goals in added time.

The match was played against the backdrop of an emotional tribute to Kevin Keegan, who represented both clubs and later managed Newcastle. Keegan died last month at the age of 75.

Before kickoff, players from both teams wore shirts bearing Keegan's name and the No. 7 during the warm-up. Supporters also displayed a large tribute in the stands, while a mosaic and video presentation honored the former England international.

The 2-2 draw ultimately offered a fitting conclusion to a match between two clubs with a long history of dramatic encounters, while giving both Iraola and Jaissle an early indication of the challenges ahead in their new jobs.

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