RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Liverpool Snatch Late Newcastle Draw as Szoboszlai Rescues Iraola
Liverpool Rescue Dramatic 2-2 Draw at Newcastle
Dominik Szoboszlai rescued Liverpool from an opening day defeat with a dramatic stoppage time penalty in a breathless 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
It was virtually the final kick of a contest which had everything, emotion, intensity, controversy and a finale which left Newcastle devastated.
Anthony Elanga gave Matthias Jaissle’s side the perfect start before Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level after half time. Joe Willock then restored Newcastle’s advantage just two minutes later and appeared to have secured all three points.
But Victor Munoz was fouled by Lewis Hall inside the area in the dying seconds and Szoboszlai stepped forward.
There was enormous pressure on the Liverpool midfielder.
He responded by smashing the penalty into the roof of the net to earn Andoni Iraola a point from his first Premier League game in charge.
Emotional Keegan Tribute Sets Scene
This was an emotional afternoon long before the football began.
Liverpool and Newcastle supporters came together to remember Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.
Keegan occupies a unique place in the history of both clubs and the affection for him was obvious throughout St James’ Park.
A huge display featuring images of the former Liverpool and Newcastle great carried the words “King Kev”, while a moving collection of shirts left outside the stadium following his death was placed in the centre circle.
There was also a minute’s applause before kick off.
When the football finally started, Newcastle were sharper.
Osula released Elanga and the winger raced clear before guiding a confident finish beyond Alisson and into the far corner.
It was Elanga’s first Newcastle goal and gave Jaissle the start he had dreamed about.
Photo: IMAGO
Newcastle Impress Despite Late Heartbreak
Newcastle’s players could barely believe what had happened at the final whistle.
They had been seconds away from beating Liverpool and beginning a new era with a significant victory.
Instead, they were forced to settle for a point.
There was still plenty for Jaissle to admire.
The German inherited a squad which has undergone major changes. Eddie Howe has departed, Bruno Guimaraes has joined defending champions Arsenal and Sandro Tonali has signed for Tottenham.
Losing two midfield players of that calibre represented a serious challenge.
Yet Newcastle played with energy, aggression and confidence.
Their pressing caused Liverpool problems, particularly during the opening stages, while Elanga looked revitalised.
He combined effectively with Osula and repeatedly troubled Liverpool’s defence with his pace.
Yoane Wissa also impressed and had the opportunity to finish Liverpool off late on.
He broke clear with the chance to put Newcastle two goals ahead but fired straight at Alisson.
It proved costly.
Gakpo Leads Liverpool Response
Liverpool were far from convincing, although Gakpo again showed his value.
The Netherlands international produced a superb finish after the interval, finding space outside the penalty area before placing his effort beyond Lukas Hornicek.
It should have given Liverpool momentum.
Instead, they were behind again two minutes later.
Willock came off the bench and found the bottom corner with an excellent finish, exposing another uncomfortable moment for Liverpool’s defence.
Iraola’s side pushed forward from there and the statistics showed the scale of their pressure.
Liverpool finished with 60% possession and 27 attempts on goal.
Those numbers only tell part of the story.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez both struggled in the full back positions and Newcastle continued to look dangerous when they attacked.
Alexander Isak also endured a difficult return to St James’ Park.
The striker, who left Newcastle for Liverpool in a £125m deal last September, struggled to influence proceedings against his former club.
Gakpo was comfortably Liverpool’s most threatening attacker.
That makes the continued speculation surrounding his future increasingly awkward, particularly with Tottenham linked with a move.
Iraola Given Early Warning
Liverpool will celebrate the character required to keep going until the final seconds.
Munoz won the penalty and Szoboszlai showed tremendous composure to convert it.
Yet Iraola will surely recognise that there is plenty of work ahead.
Liverpool had the ball and created chances, but they lacked control in some of the most important areas of the pitch.
Newcastle were able to break through Liverpool too easily and the full back positions caused particular concern.
The remaining days of the transfer window could therefore be crucial.
Liverpool must decide whether anyone else leaves and whether further reinforcements are required to give Iraola the squad he needs.
Gakpo’s situation deserves particular attention.
Selling one of the best performers at St James’ Park would create another problem at a time when Liverpool already have enough to solve.
Szoboszlai ensured Iraola avoided defeat in his first league game.
Liverpool got their point.
They also got a warning.
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