Liverpool began the 2026–27 Premier League season with a dramatic 2–2 draw at Newcastle United, as Dominik Szoboszlai’s 99th-minute penalty denied the hosts victory at St James’ Park.
Newcastle led twice in a pulsating opening-weekend match. Anthony Elanga scored early in the first half before Cody Gakpo equalised in the 55th minute. Substitute Joe Willock restored Newcastle’s lead only two minutes later, leaving Liverpool on the brink of defeat in Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League match as head coach.
Liverpool found a late route back into the match after substitute Víctor Muñoz was brought down by Lewis Hall in the penalty area in the 96th minute. Following a prolonged VAR check, Szoboszlai converted emphatically in the ninth minute of added time to secure a point.
The performance nevertheless raised concerns for Iraola. Liverpool struggled to create sustained pressure after falling behind, and Newcastle were able to regain the lead shortly after Gakpo’s equaliser. Iraola acknowledged the strange feeling of escaping with a point while seeing a side that, on the evidence of the opening match, remained short of his required level.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were both criticised after quiet displays. Isak, facing his former club, missed two clear chances and had six touches in Newcastle’s penalty area. Wirtz was substituted shortly after the hour mark after failing to exert a major influence on the match.
Gary Neville said Liverpool’s expensive attacking pair had received too much patience after difficult first seasons. He argued that Isak and Wirtz must begin delivering more consistently, while reserving especially pointed criticism for Wirtz’s intensity and influence without the ball. Neville said he retained faith in both players, but warned that continued underperformance would bring much sharper scrutiny.
Liverpool’s immediate task is to build greater consistency under their new manager. The point at Newcastle may prove valuable, but the display showed that Iraola still has work to do to create an attacking unit capable of supporting Gakpo, Wirtz and Isak while giving the side more control during difficult away matches.
