Liverpool midfielder Dominic Soboszlai scored the second goal for his team from a penalty during the English Premier League match against Newcastle United at St James' Park in Newcastle upon Tyne. This goal allowed the team to achieve a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Soboszlai scored the penalty as the final shot of the game, saving the team in a match that was the first under the management of Andoni Iraola at 'The Reds'. Iraola leads a new era for Liverpool following the dismissal of Arne Slot and the departure of Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor. Liverpool's initial steps in the new season have been difficult, as Newcastle demonstrated defensive weaknesses that led to the team's defeat last season.
Anthony Elanga opened the scoring for Newcastle in the first half, and shortly after the break, Cody Gakpo equalized. Joe Willock restored Newcastle's advantage by scoring his first goal in the Premier League since 2024. However, Soboszlai remained calm and scored the penalty in added time after a foul on Victor Muñoz by Lewis Hall.
For Iraola, it was an ambivalent start, although he could be pleased that the team did not give up, but their play looked unconvincing. For the first time since 2016, Liverpool started the season without the Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who served as a talisman. Furthermore, Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson also left the club, moving to Real Madrid and Tottenham, respectively.
Iraola was previously recognized for his tactical acumen and energetic playing style, which saw him guide Bournemouth in European competitions last season. He faces the challenging task of rebuilding Liverpool's squad, which finished in a disappointing fifth place last season, and catching up with champions Arsenal, given the modest performance that barely secured them one point at St James' Park.
Rookie defender Jeremy Jackke was unstable next to Virgil van Dijk in central defense, and seventeen-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha could not replace Salah, who scored his first goals for Trabzonspor while his former club struggled.
Fans of both teams jointly held an emotional pre-match tribute in memory of the former Newcastle manager and Liverpool forward Kevin Keegan, who recently passed away at the age of 75. This sharply contrasted with the attitude towards Alexander Isak, who returned to St James' Park for the first time since his high-profile transfer to Liverpool last year for 125 million pounds ($170 million).
After Isak was the hero of 'Toon Army' for helping end Newcastle's 56-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup in 2025, he was met with deafening whistles and pornographic shouts calling him 'greedy'. This chorus of disapproval quickly gave way to deafening cheers after Newcastle's lightning opening goal in the fifth minute. William Osula initiated a rapid attack, making a penetrating run and pass that allowed Elanga to break away from the hesitant Milosh Kerkez and score a clinical goal into the far corner.
Ryan Gravenberch was out of position in the build-up play, and Van Dijk and Jackke were also responsible for reacting slowly to the situation, which bore a worrying resemblance to Liverpool's problems last season. If this was a summary of Liverpool's unappealing first half, Isak's sight of missing numerous chances was even more disheartening.
Iraola admitted that Liverpool needs to sign more wingers to replace Salah, but Gakpo, who was linked with Tottenham, showed that he is still capable of performing well after an inconsistent spell. The Dutch forward received a pass from Gravenberch in the 55th minute, turned, and struck a magnificent low shot that went past Lucas Hornicek from a distance of 25 yards.
Willock restored Newcastle's lead just two minutes later. Liverpool made defensive errors again when Yoan Wissa's run pushed them back, and then Willock beat Jeremy Frimpong and scored a beautiful goal from the edge of the penalty area. But Newcastle could not maintain the lead at the end of the match when Hall carelessly fouled debutant winger Muñoz, and Soboszlai converted the penalty, sending the ball into the top corner.