Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool: Elanga 5, Willock 57; Gakpo 55, Szoboszlai 90+8
Liverpool may have denied Matthias Jaissle a winning start in the end but the new Newcastle boss will leave with plenty of encouragement.
Newcastle twice led through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, only for Cody Gakpo and then Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty in the ninth minute of added time to bring Liverpool level.
After Eddie Howe’s resignation, Jaissle had only three weeks to prepare a team that has lost several important players, yet Newcastle immediately looked more aggressive and coherent without the ball than their opponents. Their pressing unsettled Liverpool and produced the opening goal after only five minutes.
Amar Dedic, making his debut following his £30m arrival from Benfica, found William Osula in space. The striker quickly released Elanga, who surged beyond Milos Kerkez before guiding a low finish across Alisson into the far corner.
Liverpool controlled possession for long periods but struggled to convert it into meaningful chances. Florian Wirtz was decent enough as the main source of creativity, and his deflected effort in the 18th minute forced Lukas Hornicek into a good save.
But Newcastle remained dangerous whenever Liverpool’s structure broke down. Dedic came close again after Lewis Miley picked him out with a long pass, while Osula almost reached a through-ball from Yoane Wissa.
Liverpool improved after the break and equalised in the 55th minute. Gakpo had already threatened with a curling effort before finding the decisive opening when Newcastle’s midfield backed away from him. The forward took advantage of the space to drive a low shot from about 25 yards beyond Hornicek.
The response from Newcastle was immediate and emphatic. Wissa, who had been one of the home side’s most effective players, escaped several challenges before creating the opening for Willock. The midfielder had only just entered the game but needed little time to make an impact, stepping inside before curling a superb effort beyond Alisson and in off the post.
Cody with our first goal of the season 🎯 pic.twitter.com/lQDvqG5YcK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2026
Andoni Iraola turned to his bench in search of another equaliser. Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Victor Munoz were brought on for Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha, but it was Newcastle who continued to threaten for the moment, Jacob Ramsey nearly getting a third when he dragged a volley wide, before Alisson produced an important save to deny Wissa one-on-one.
Alexander Isak, who was largely ineffective, had a promising opening but could not finish it. Newcastle appeared to have done enough to secure a significant victory for Jaissle until the final attack of the match. Munoz went down after a challenge from Lewis Hall inside the penalty area and referee Stuart Attwell controversially awarded Liverpool a penalty.
Hall protested the decision but Szoboszlai showed no hesitation. The Hungary midfielder smashed the ball high into the roof of the net to rescue Liverpool with the last kick.
