Szoboszlai Penalty Rescues Liverpool Point

Szoboszlai rescues Liverpool

Liverpool denied Newcastle United an opening-day victory when Dominik Szoboszlai converted a dramatic stoppage-time penalty at St James’ Park.

Newcastle led twice through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, while Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool’s first equaliser. Szoboszlai then earned Liverpool a point with almost the final kick of the match.

Newcastle strike early

Newcastle made a fast start and took the lead through Elanga, who scored his first goal for the club.

William Osula played Elanga through on goal, and the forward finished neatly into the far corner beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The goal gave new Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle an encouraging opening to his first competitive match in charge.

Gakpo responds after the break

Liverpool found an equaliser in the second half through Gakpo.

The forward struck from distance and found the corner of the net, beating Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček to level the score.

Willock restores the lead

Newcastle responded quickly after Liverpool’s equaliser. Substitute Joe Willock restored the lead only two minutes later, finishing low into the bottom corner.

The Magpies looked set to begin the season with a victory after regaining their advantage late in the match.

Late penalty changes the result

Liverpool were awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Lewis Hall fouled Victor Muñoz inside the area.

Szoboszlai stepped up and fired his penalty into the roof of the net, ensuring the game finished level at 2-2.

Newcastle leave frustrated

Newcastle had shown energy, attacking threat and resilience in Jaissle’s first game, but the late penalty denied them all three points.

The Magpies had been underdogs before kick-off, and despite the disappointment of conceding so late, their display gave supporters reasons for optimism.

Tribute to Keegan

Both sets of supporters paid tribute before the match to former Newcastle and Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.

A large “King Kev” tifo was displayed in the stands, while a mosaic at the centre circle commemorated shirts left outside St James’ Park following the announcement of Keegan’s death.