Newcastle United were left heartbroken after being denied a memorable opening-day victory as they drew 2-2 with Andoni Iraola's Liverpool at St. James' Park. Anthony Elanga put the hosts ahead in the fifth minute after a devastating counter-attack, before Cody Gakpo produced a goal from nothing to level the contest in the 55th minute. Newcastle immediately responded through Joe Willock two minutes later, with another rapid attacking move giving them a 2-1 lead. However, Liverpool were rescued deep into stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai converted a late penalty to secure a point. The result will feel particularly painful for Matthias Jaissle's Newcastle, who had done enough to claim all three points.
Newcastle Player Performance
Newcastle were arguably the deserved winners and will be hugely disappointed to have allowed Liverpool to escape with a point. Jaissle's side displayed an effective counter-attacking approach, repeatedly using long balls and the devastating pace of their forwards to exploit Liverpool's defensive weaknesses.
Yoane Wissa looked like a player with a point to prove after a disappointing previous campaign and was one of Newcastle's standout performers. Anthony Elanga was equally dangerous, opening the scoring with a clinical finish, while Joe Willock made an immediate impact from the bench by restoring Newcastle's lead.
William Osula also impressed with his movement and contribution to Newcastle's attacking transitions. However, there is still plenty for Jaissle to improve, particularly in midfield and defence, where Liverpool were allowed opportunities to regain control.
Newcastle Player Ratings vs Liverpool
Lukas Horníček — 5/10: Made some useful saves but could not prevent Liverpool's late equaliser.
Amar Dedić — 5/10: Worked hard but was inconsistent defensively.
Malick Thiaw — 5/10: Struggled at times against Liverpool's attacking movement.
Sven Botman — 6/10: Newcastle's more dependable centre-back.
Lewis Hall — 5/10: Was decent till he conceded the late penalty.
Lewis Miley — 5/10: Battled hard but had limited influence.
Sean Steur — 6/10: Worked tirelessly in midfield.
Harvey Barnes — 5.5/10: Threatened sporadically without dominating.
Anthony Elanga — 7/10: Excellent pace and a composed opening goal.
William Osula — 8/10: Constantly dangerous and crucial to Newcastle's transitions.
Yoane Wissa — 8/10: Outstanding running and movement throughout.
Substitutes: Jacob Ramsey — 6/10; Joe Willock — 7/10; Aladji Bamba — 5/10; Jacob Murphy — 5/10; Fabian Schär — 4/10.
Liverpool Player Performance
Liverpool were extremely fortunate to leave St. James' Park with a point after a largely disappointing performance, particularly from their defence and midfield. Despite having more possession, Iraola's side struggled to turn that control into sustained attacking dominance.
Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were among the few players consistently trying to drag Liverpool forward. Gakpo's equaliser was an excellent individual moment, while Szoboszlai showed composure to convert the decisive late penalty.
Substitute Víctor Muñoz was another major positive. He injected energy into Liverpool's attack, repeatedly threatened Newcastle and ultimately won the penalty that changed the outcome. His cameo has made a strong case for a starting role next week.
At the opposite end, Florian Wirtz and returning former Newcastle forward Alexander Isak endured extremely difficult outings, while Liverpool's defensive structure repeatedly looked vulnerable.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Newcastle
Alisson — 4/10: Unable to stop either Newcastle goal.
Jeremie Frimpong — 6/10: Provided attacking energy but was exposed defensively.
Virgil van Dijk — 5/10: Below his usual commanding standard.
Jérémy Jacquet — 5/10: Fine debut, although struggled with Newcastle's pace.
Milos Kerkez — 5/10: Offers little defensive stability.
Ryan Gravenberch — 6/10: Improved Liverpool's midfield and assisted Gakpo.
Dominik Szoboszlai — 7/10: Worked hard and delivered under pressure with the late penalty.
Florian Wirtz — 3/10: Had a remarkably quiet outing.
Ryan Ngumoha — 6/10: Showed flashes but lacked consistency.
Cody Gakpo — 7/10: Liverpool's best attacking threat and scorer.
Alexander Isak — 3/10: A disappointing return to St. James' Park.
Substitutes: Alexis Mac Allister — 5/10; Víctor Muñoz — 7.5/10; Ronald Araújo — 6/10; Lewis Koumas — 6/10.
What's Next?
Newcastle will now turn their attention to Tottenham, while Liverpool face Nottingham Forest next week. Both sides will be searching for their first win of the new Premier League campaign, but Newcastle will feel they have already let two points slip from their grasp.
