The National Times - Szoboszlai's last-gasp leveller rescues Liverpool in Newcastle draw

Iraola is the figurehead of a new era for Liverpool after Arne Slot's close-season sacking and Mohamed Salah's departure to Trabzonspor.

Liverpool's first steps into the future were uncomfortable, with Newcastle exposing the defensive flaws that proved fatal for Slot last season.

Anthony Elanga put Newcastle ahead in the first half before Cody Gakpo equalised soon after the interval.

Joe Willock's first Premier League goal since 2024 restored Newcastle's advantage, but Szoboszlai held his nerve to net with a stoppage-time penalty after Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz.

It was a mixed start for Iraola, who can take heart from his team's refusal to accept defeat, but will be concerned by their unconvincing display.

For the first time since 2016, Liverpool kicked off a campaign without Egypt forward Mohamed Salah as their talisman, while Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson have also departed for Real Madrid and Tottenham, respectively.

Iraola earned plaudits for leading Bournemouth to European qualification last season with his astute tactics and high-energy style of play.

Tasked with rebuilding a Liverpool squad that finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League last season, he faces a tough task to catch champions Arsenal on the evidence of a timid performance that barely deserved the point they escaped with at St James' Park.

Debutant defender Jeremy Jacquet was erratic alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, while 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha was unable to fill the void left by Salah, who scored his first goals for Trabzonspor while his old club were spluttering.

Fans of both clubs were united for an emotional pre-match tribute to former Newcastle manager and Liverpool striker Kevin Keegan, who died recently aged 75.

- Late escape act -

It was a stark contrast to the treatment given to Alexander Isak, who was back at St James' Park for the first time since his acrimonious £125 million ($170 million) move to Liverpool last year.

Once a hero to the Toon Army after helping end Newcastle's 56-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup in 2025, the Sweden striker was greeted by deafening boos and x-rated chants labelling him "greedy".

The chorus of disapproval for Isak was soon replaced with ear-splitting roars of celebration after Newcastle's electric fifth-minute opener.

William Osula started the blistering raid with an incisive run and pass that sent Elanga sprinting clear of the flat-footed Milos Kerkez for a clinical finish into the far corner.

Ryan Gravenberch was caught out of position in the build-up to the goal, while Van Dijk and Jacquet were also culpable as they reacted slowly in a breakdown that had alarming similarities to Liverpool's woes last season.

If that summed up Liverpool's forgettable first half, the sight of Isak passing up a host of chances was even more discouraging.

Iraola has admitted Liverpool need to sign more wingers to help replace Salah, but Gakpo, who has been linked with Tottenham, showed he could still flourish after an inconsistent spell.

The Dutch forward collected Gravenberch's 55th-minute pass, turned and drilled a superb low strike that whistled past Lukas Hornicek from 25 yards.

Willock restored Newcastle's advantage just two minutes later.

Again Liverpool were guilty of sloppy defending, with Yoane Wissa's burst pushing them back before Willock danced past Jeremie Frimpong to net with a fine finish from the edge of the area.

But Newcastle choked at the last, with Hall rashly fouling debutant winger Munoz and Szoboszlai lashing the spot-kick into the top corner.

T.Hancock--TNT