Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool: Late Szoboszlai penalty rescues a point

Newcastle and Liverpool drew 2-2 at St James’ Park, with the visitors rescuing a point through D. Szoboszlai’s 90th-minute penalty. Newcastle led 1-0 at half-time and twice moved in front, but Liverpool’s pressure and late conversion ensured the points were shared in the opening Premier League round.

Newcastle strike first

Newcastle needed only five minutes to take the lead. A. Elanga finished a move assisted by W. Osula, giving the hosts an early advantage. Liverpool had more of the ball as the half progressed, but Newcastle retained their lead into the interval.

The first half also brought several disciplinary incidents. Newcastle’s Y. Wissa was booked in the 25th minute, while Liverpool players M. Kerkez and J. Frimpong were both shown yellow cards five minutes later. L. Miley added another Newcastle booking before half-time.

Fast response after the interval

Liverpool levelled in the 55th minute when C. Gakpo scored from R. Gravenberch’s assist. Newcastle responded almost immediately. J. Willock restored the home side’s lead in the 57th minute, with Y. Wissa providing the assist.

The goal was part of a productive spell for Willock, who was substituted in the 56th minute after 37 minutes on the pitch. He was the match’s highest-rated player at 7.7, registering one goal, one shot on target, one key pass and two tackles. Elanga also earned a 7.6 rating after scoring and recording two shots on target.

Liverpool’s pressure earns a draw

The scoreline did not fully reflect Liverpool’s territorial control. Liverpool held 60% possession, completed 426 passes at an 84% accuracy rate and attempted 26 shots, compared with Newcastle’s 13. The visitors also had six corners to Newcastle’s two and forced five saves, while Newcastle’s goalkeeper L. Hornicek made five saves in a 7.6-rated performance.

Despite that advantage, the expected-goals figures were almost even, with Liverpool on 1.44 and Newcastle on 1.42. Newcastle’s four shots on target and Liverpool’s six underline a contest in which the visitors created more attempts, but the hosts remained efficient in front of goal.

Liverpool finally drew level in the 90th minute, when D. Szoboszlai converted a penalty. V. van Dijk and L. Hornicek were booked during the late stages, adding to a match that finished with four Newcastle yellow cards and three for Liverpool.

League position after the draw

The supplied Premier League standings list Liverpool 11th and Newcastle 12th, with both recorded on zero points from zero games. No recent form data was available for either team, so the 2-2 draw serves as the completed match’s main result rather than part of a listed form sequence.