Late Szoboszlai penalty rescues Liverpool, but Iraola has issues to solve

Liverpool escaped St James’ Park with a 2-2 draw after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty, but the late equaliser could not disguise the weaknesses exposed in Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League match in charge.

A year earlier, Liverpool had celebrated a dramatic late win at Newcastle when Rio Ngumoha scored in the 100th minute. This time, another goal deep into stoppage time brought relief rather than euphoria after the visitors had twice fallen behind.

Iraola believed Liverpool deserved a point for their persistence.

“It’s probably not the result you want before the game, but we definitely deserve this point and even more,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The team has never given up.”

Avoiding defeat matters, particularly as Liverpool had not lost an opening-weekend match since 2012-13. Yet the display raised familiar questions about the squad’s balance, defensive stability and lack of attacking cohesion.

Wirtz and Isak fail to click

Liverpool’s two high-profile summer arrivals, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, were unable to make a decisive impact.

Isak’s return to Newcastle was always likely to be hostile following his drawn-out move from the club last September. The Sweden striker was jeered whenever he received the ball and, despite showing plenty of intensity, had only 28 touches. He also missed a clear second-half chance that he would have been expected to take during his Newcastle career.

Wirtz started the game brightly but faded as Newcastle gained momentum. He was substituted shortly after the hour mark, following Joe Willock’s goal that put the home side 2-1 ahead.

Both players were signed for nine-figure fees and will need to improve their individual performances and build a stronger connection in the weeks ahead.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin questioned whether Liverpool currently resemble a side capable of challenging for the top four.

“There’s a definite lack of creativity and somehow they must get the best out of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, because you certainly didn’t get the best out of them today,” he said.

Gakpo strengthens his case

Cody Gakpo was Liverpool’s brightest attacking player and took his goal superbly, adding another layer of uncertainty to his future.

Liverpool are still pursuing attacking reinforcements and have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, while Brighton have rejected two bids for Yankuba Minteh. If the club complete further additions, Gakpo could become a potential departure before the transfer window closes.

However, his performance at Newcastle showed why he remains valuable. He was more effective than Liverpool’s expensive new arrivals and consistently offered a goal threat.

Victor Munoz also impressed after coming off the bench for his Liverpool debut. The Spanish forward won the penalty that Szoboszlai converted, while the impact of Alexis Mac Allister helped Liverpool finish the match strongly.

Ngumoha, meanwhile, struggled on the right wing. The 17-year-old is more comfortable on the left and was withdrawn shortly after the hour, suggesting Iraola may reconsider using him on the opposite flank.

Defensive fragility remains

Liverpool were exposed too easily in transition, with both Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong enduring difficult afternoons at full-back.

Newcastle’s two goals came from counter-attacks, again highlighting Liverpool’s lack of protection in central midfield. Iraola moved Mac Allister closer to the defence after Willock’s second-half strike, an adjustment that underlined the need for a specialist holding midfielder.

Liverpool have now conceded nine goals from fast breaks in all competitions since the start of last season—more than any other Premier League club over that period.

Iraola took positives from the team’s mentality and the contribution of his substitutes, but he knows the squad needs strengthening.

“There are definitely things to improve, like the goals,” he said. “But I’ve seen a lot of things I’ve liked from the team. I’ve liked the energy, especially from the players coming from the bench.”

Szoboszlai also insisted that Liverpool’s fight will not be in doubt.

“We will never give up. I can guarantee you that,” he said. “We need the whole squad and we need to be ready.”

Liverpool showed resilience at Newcastle, but Iraola’s first league game also made clear that desire will not be enough. The squad needs greater depth, more creativity and a more secure defensive structure if it is to compete at the level the club expects.