Liverpool fought back to secure a hard-earned 2-2 draw away to Newcastle United on Sunday in the opening round of the Premier League season.
The match marked the first competitive appearances of Spanish coach Andoni Iraola with Liverpool and German manager Matthias Jaissle with Newcastle, with both sides settling for a point in their opening league fixture.
Newcastle Strike Early
Liverpool paid the price for their aggressive start after Newcastle took the lead in the fifth minute.
Anthony Elanga finished a rapid counterattack after receiving a pass from Danish forward William Osula. Elanga then fired a low shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give the hosts an early advantage.
Liverpool responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but their attacking moves lacked precision in the final third. Despite enjoying periods of pressure, the visitors struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut opportunities.
Gakpo Brings Liverpool Level
Liverpool increased the pressure after the interval and eventually found their equalizer in the 55th minute.
Cody Gakpo produced a powerful long-range strike to beat the Newcastle goalkeeper, restoring parity after Liverpool had come close just two minutes earlier when another effort from the Dutch forward narrowly cleared the crossbar.
The equalizer appeared to give Liverpool renewed momentum, but Newcastle quickly responded.
Willock Restores Newcastle’s Lead
Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle reacted with attacking substitutions, bringing on Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock for Sean Longstaff and William Osula in the 56th minute.
The changes paid immediate dividends.
Just a minute later, Willock put Newcastle back in front with a goal that closely resembled Elanga’s opener. The midfielder finished a swift counterattack after following up on a pass from Congolese forward Yoane Wissa, giving Newcastle a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute.
Liverpool once again had to chase the game and increased their attacking pressure as the match entered its final stages.
Liverpool Equalize From the Penalty Spot
Liverpool appealed for a penalty in the 78th minute after a shot by German midfielder Florian Wirtz appeared to strike Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw’s hand, but the referee initially waved away the appeals.
However, Liverpool eventually received a penalty deep into stoppage time after Kōki Kumas fell during a challenge inside the area.
Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, rescuing Liverpool from defeat and securing a 2-2 draw.
The late equalizer ensured that both Liverpool and Newcastle began their Premier League campaigns with one point, although Liverpool will likely view the result as a valuable escape after twice falling behind.
