Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool: Szoboszlai’s 99th-Minute Penalty Rescues Dramatic Premier League Draw

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Liverpool opened their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, as Dominik Szoboszlai scored from the penalty spot with virtually the final kick of the match.

Newcastle twice took the lead through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, but Cody Gakpo first brought Liverpool level before Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty denied the hosts a winning start under new head coach Matthias Jaissle. The match also marked Andoni Iraola’s first competitive Premier League game in charge of Liverpool.

Newcastle needed only five minutes to break the deadlock.

Liverpool lost possession high up the pitch, allowing William Osula to drive forward before releasing Elanga. The Sweden international carried the ball into attacking territory and fired across goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Newcastle a 1-0 lead with their first shot of the match.

Liverpool attempted to respond, with Florian Wirtz forcing a strong save from Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek in the 18th minute.

At the opposite end, Newcastle nearly doubled their advantage when Yoane Wissa found Osula, but Alisson made an important intervention to keep Liverpool within one goal.

Liverpool emerged with greater intensity after half-time and found their equaliser in the 55th minute.

After receiving a pass from Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo turned before sending a low shot from around 20 yards beyond Hornicek and into the bottom corner.

The goal briefly shifted momentum towards Iraola’s side, but Newcastle responded almost immediately.

Joe Willock was introduced from the bench in the 57th minute and needed barely a minute to make an impact.

After impressive work from Yoane Wissa during a Newcastle counterattack, Willock received the ball near the edge of the penalty area and curled his effort beyond Alisson to restore the Magpies’ advantage at 2-1.

Newcastle then defended their lead as Liverpool searched for another route back into the game.

Gakpo and Alexander Isak both missed opportunities for the visitors, while Newcastle also threatened to add a third through Wissa and Jacob Ramsey during an increasingly open final period.

Just as Newcastle appeared set to collect all three points, the match produced another dramatic twist.

Liverpool substitute Victor Munoz was brought down inside the penalty area by Lewis Hall in the 96th minute, prompting referee Stuart Attwell to award a penalty.

Following a lengthy VAR check, Szoboszlai stepped forward in the ninth minute of stoppage time.

The Hungary international showed remarkable composure, driving the penalty into the top corner to make it 2-2 and rescue Liverpool from an opening-day defeat.

The result gave Andoni Iraola a point in his first Premier League fixture as Liverpool head coach.

Liverpool showed attacking quality during periods of the second half but also struggled with Newcastle’s transitions, particularly when the Magpies broke through midfield.

Iraola acknowledged after the game that Liverpool still had areas to improve, while highlighting the impact of substitutes who brought greater energy during the closing stages.

For Newcastle, the result was far more difficult to accept.

Matthias Jaissle’s team had been seconds away from beginning the new campaign with a victory, having twice taken the lead and troubled Liverpool through direct counterattacking football.

The Newcastle head coach nevertheless praised the commitment of his players, saying he was pleased with the performance despite the disappointment of losing two points so late in the contest.

The fixture also marked Alexander Isak’s first return to St James’ Park as a Liverpool player.

The former Newcastle striker received loud boos from the home supporters whenever he touched the ball and was unable to find the net during a difficult afternoon.

Liverpool instead relied heavily on Gakpo in attack, with the Dutch forward producing their most important attacking moment before Szoboszlai’s late penalty.

Before kick-off, both clubs paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, the legendary former player and manager who had strong connections with Newcastle and Liverpool.

The emotional tribute was observed throughout St James’ Park before the match began. Liverpool’s official report noted that Keegan, who died in July, was remembered ahead of the Premier League encounter.

From Newcastle’s early breakthrough to Liverpool’s last-gasp equaliser, the match delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the opening Premier League weekend.

Elanga’s fifth-minute goal gave Newcastle the perfect start, Gakpo responded after half-time, and Willock restored the home side’s advantage almost immediately.

But the final word belonged to Szoboszlai.

His 99th-minute penalty ensured Liverpool avoided defeat and left St James’ Park with a 2-2 draw, while Newcastle were forced to settle for one point despite leading twice.