Late penalty saves Liverpool from Newcastle defeat
By Luke Oluoch, August 23, 2026Liverpool fought back from two goals down to claim a crucial point from a 2-2 draw in their Premier League opener away at a hard-fighting Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at St James’ Park.
Dominik Szoboszlai struck home a stoppage-time penalty to settle the hotly contested clash in a share of the spoils after the hosts had twice taken the lead through Anthony Elanga’s first-half goal and a strike from substitute Joe Willock.
The shared points kicked off new eras for both head coaches: Andoni Iraola started his Reds reign after joining from Bournemouth, while Matthias Jaissle, who succeeded Eddie Howe at the Tyneside club, also settled for a point.
The late drama meant Liverpool kept intact their record of remaining unbeaten in Premier League opening games across each of the last 14 seasons, a streak dating back to 2013/14.
Tributes to former legend Kevin Keegan, who passed away months before the season started after playing for both clubs in his heyday, overshadowed the match alongside Alexander Isak’s return to his former club.
Newcastle stunned their rivals to an early lead when Anthony Elanga struck home a well-taken opener inside the first five minutes.
Reds level it up
After resumption, the Reds levelled through Cody Gakpo, who was accorded time and space to fire a long-range effort into the far corner after cutting in from the left wing, but the seesaw encounter shifted back in favour of the hosts in a surreal two-minute spell as Newcastle restored their lead.
Willock restores Newcastle lead
An impressive Yoane Wissa did well to elude Liverpool defenders on a counter-attack before setting up former Arsenal man Willock, who managed to squeeze a shot past Alisson from an off-balance position. That charged St James’ Park, taking the rivalry between the two sides up a notch amid the home fans’ cheers and jeers.
Just when the match seemed destined for a home win, Newcastle shot themselves in the foot when Lewis Hall tripped substitute Víctor Muñoz inside the area in stoppage time. Szoboszlai calmly tucked away the resulting penalty to rescue a share of the spoils to the chagrin of the home crowd. The last-minute goal ensured a home victory against Liverpool remained on hold for Newcastle for another season.