Liverpool and Newcastle United once again produced a dramatic finish befitting their storied rivalry, with a 99th-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai securing a 2-2 draw at St James' Park on a day when the two clubs also paid tribute to the late Kevin Keegan.
The result denied new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle a winning start to his tenure, just 18 days after his appointment was confirmed, while handing Andoni Iraola an unbeaten opening as Liverpool's new head coach. Both managers reflected on a fixture that has become synonymous with late twists, following last season's 100th-minute winner for Liverpool at the same venue.
Newcastle raced ahead early, with Will Osula releasing pacey winger Anthony Elanga after just four minutes. Elanga outpaced Milos Kerkez before finishing clinically, continuing a pattern of Liverpool full-backs struggling defensively. Cody Gakpo restored parity with a fine strike from 20 yards, marking the first goal of Iraola's reign in charge.
Newcastle regained the lead when substitute Joe Willock scored with his first touch just a minute after coming on, capping a rapid break started by an outstanding Yoane Wissa, who ran the length of the pitch to set up the chance. Wissa, signed with funds from Alexander Isak's departure and wearing the number 9 shirt the Swede vacated, was in inspired form throughout, operating effectively both as a No 10 and central striker. Jaissle described it as Wissa's best performance in Newcastle colors, though he lamented a missed opportunity when goalkeeper Alisson denied the forward in a one-on-one situation that could have sealed the win.
Instead, drama struck deep into stoppage time when Lewis Hall fouled substitute Victor Munoz inside the box, prompting referee Stuart Attwell to award a penalty. Rather than Isak, who was making an emotional and difficult return to St James' Park amid jeers from the home crowd, it was Szoboszlai who stepped up. The Hungarian midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the top corner to snatch a point for the visitors.
"More than 50,000 fans in the stadium against you. You can't hear your own voice," Szoboszlai said afterward. "That's why I love football and that's why I am doing it."
Iraola admitted the nature of the late goal added satisfaction to an otherwise unwanted result for his side. "It's a strange feeling," he said. "Before the game we wouldn't have signed for this result, but the way we scored the goal in the end, it tastes better."
For Jaissle, the outcome was a bitter pill given how close his side came to victory. "It is really hard to digest," the German coach said, though he praised Wissa's display, calling it an "amazing performance, even though he could have killed the game."
Isak endured a difficult return to Tyneside, greeted with whistles and hostility from supporters who once idolized him before his summer move to Liverpool. He struggled to make an impact throughout the match. Iraola noted the reception was not unexpected, saying, "It was not a big surprise for him."
Among the positives for both sides were promising debuts — Munoz showed his pace after coming on for Liverpool, while towering defender Jeremy Jacquet also impressed at the back. For Newcastle, new right-back Amar Dedic had a solid outing despite Gakpo finding success against him.
Despite the frustration of conceding late once more, Newcastle can take encouragement from an energetic, attacking performance under their new coach, suggesting life continues productively after Eddie Howe's exit. Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to show defensive vulnerabilities but relied on Alisson's heroics and late-game composure to avoid defeat.
Based on reporting from The Independent.