Liverpool rescued a point in their opening Premier League game of the season after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James Park.
A stoppage-time penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai denied Newcastle what looked set to be a famous victory in front of their home fans for the new season.
The match was full of energy, goals, and late drama as both clubs began a new era under their new managers who were both appointed to make a difference this season.
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle saw plenty of positives from his side, while Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will be relieved that his team avoided defeat after a difficult afternoon.
The home side could not have wished for a better beginning. Newcastle took the lead in just the fifth minute when summer signing Anthony Elanga finished off a quick attack to send the St James Park crowd into celebration.
Liverpool struggled to deal with the home side pressing and intensity during the opening stages. The home looked sharp throughout the first half which saw them dominating more.
Yoane Wissa caused problems between the lines, while Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes helped keep the Reds under pressure as the match carried on further.
The Reds enjoyed more possession but lacked creativity in the final third and found it difficult to break down a well-organized Newcastle United defence.
The visitors did create a few opportunities, but goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek produced an excellent save to deny Florian Wirtz and preserve his side lead before the break.
Liverpool came out with greater urgency in the second half and finally found an equalizer through Cody Gakpo. The Dutch forward finished well to make it 1-1 and give the visitors fresh hope.
However, the home side responded almost immediately. Just moments after the reds had drawn level, Joe Willock restored the Magpies advantage with a well-taken goal.
The midfielder finished off a dangerous attacking move in the 57th minute of action and once again put his side in control of the contest. At 2-1, Newcastle looked capable of adding a third goal.
They continued to attack with confidence and nearly extended their lead on several occasions. Liverpool struggled to create clear chances despite enjoying long spells of possession.
As the game moved into stoppage time, the Magpies appeared set to claim all three points. But deep into added time, the reds earned a crucial penalty after Victor Muñoz was brought down in the area by Lewis Hall.
After a brief moment of tension, the referee pointed to the spot. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 99th minute. His finish sent the supporters into celebration and completed a dramatic comeback for the Reds.
The final whistle followed shortly after, leaving Newcastle disappointed after coming so close to victory. Liverpool, on the other hand, left Tyneside with a valuable point after a performance that was far from their best.
The Magpies will be encouraged by their display despite failing to secure the win. Elanga impressed on his competitive debut, Wissa was influential throughout the game, and the team showed plenty of energy under Jaissle’s new system.
For the visitors, there is still work to do under their new management. The Reds showed quality by fighting back twice, but their defensive structure and overall balance remain areas that need improvement.
Gakpo’s goal and Szoboszlai’s late penalty ensured they started the season with a point rather than a defeat. In the end, a 2-2 draw was a fair reflection of an entertaining contest between both teams.
Newcastle will feel they let victory slip away, while Liverpool will be thankful for a dramatic late escape in one of the most exciting matches of the opening Premier League weekend.