Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stoppage-time penalty as Liverpool twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Newcastle United in Andoni Iraola's first Premier League match in charge. The result was overshadowed by a pre-match tribute to the late Kevin Keegan and a hostile reception for Liverpool striker Alexander Isak on his return to Tyneside.

Anthony Elanga gave Newcastle a fifth-minute lead, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Cody Gakpo equalised for Liverpool ten minutes after the interval with a long-range effort, but Joe Willock restored the home side's lead two minutes later. With the game deep into stoppage time, Lewis Hall was adjudged to have fouled Victor Munoz in the box, and Szoboszlai converted the resulting spot-kick to secure a point.

The match was played against the backdrop of a tribute to Kevin Keegan, who died in July at the age of 75 and was honoured by both sets of fans, with a banner raised in the Gallowgate End. Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British-record £125 million in the summer, was subjected to constant jeering and chants of "rat" throughout. Iraola said he expected the reaction, adding that Isak "expected a little bit the atmosphere."

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle was critical of the penalty decision that cost his side victory, calling it "really soft" and saying he did not agree with it. "I think you call it here a really soft one," he said. "It was a really soft one and if you give that there will so many penalties in the future." His view was not shared by pundits Gary Neville, Micah Richards, and Daniel Sturridge, who all felt the decision was correct.

Szoboszlai said he was practicing penalties during pre-season and praised his team's spirit. Asked if Liverpool deserved to win, he replied: "If I'm honest, yes. I think we were able to win but that's football." Iraola said his side did not deserve to lose, adding: "I don't think we deserve to lose the game today."

Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa expressed frustration at the manner of the draw, saying: "It's rough, especially 30 seconds before the end of the game, but that's a huge step for us."

The match also provided a platform for analysis of Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities. Sports Illustrated noted that Iraola's team were "twice compromised in defensive transition," a potential concern for the season ahead. The data supported Liverpool's overall dominance, with the visitors registering 27 shots and an expected goals total of 2.73 compared to Newcastle's 1.43. However, they were unable to convert that dominance into a win.

Individual performances were under scrutiny, with Jeremie Frimpong receiving particular criticism. The right-back was rated 5.9 by SofaScore, the lowest of any Liverpool player. Liverpool journalist James Pearce described him as "so wasteful yet again in Possession." Milos Kerkez also had a difficult game, with Anthony Elanga's pace causing him problems throughout. These displays have prompted some pundits to call for Liverpool to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline, with a right-back, left-back, and defensive midfielder among the positions identified as needing reinforcement.

Perspectives

Andoni Iraola (Liverpool manager)

Said his side did not deserve to lose and praised their spirit, while also acknowledging the performance was not perfect.

Matthias Jaissle (Newcastle manager)

Criticised the penalty decision as "really soft" and said he disagreed with the call.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool midfielder)

Believed Liverpool deserved to win and was pleased with the team's never-say-die attitude.

Yoane Wissa (Newcastle forward)

Expressed disappointment at the result but saw a positive step in his side's performance.

Pundits (Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Daniel Sturridge)

All believed the penalty decision was correct, with Sturridge calling it a "full deserved penalty."