Liverpool rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle at St James’ Park after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty with almost the final kick of the game.
Newcastle looked set for a memorable opening-game victory after goals from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock twice put the hosts ahead. Matthias Jaissle appeared on course for a winning start as Newcastle manager, but Liverpool produced a late twist to deny them all three points.
The hosts made the perfect start when Elanga scored his first premier league goal for the club. Sent through by William Osula, the forward kept his composure to guide a neat finish into the far corner.
Liverpool responded after the interval, with Cody Gakpo restoring parity through an accurate long-range strike that beat Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.
The visitors’ equaliser lasted only two minutes, however. Newcastle substitute Joe Willock quickly restored the advantage, clinically finding the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
Liverpool refused to accept defeat and were rewarded in the closing seconds. Victor Munoz was brought down inside the Newcastle penalty area by Lewis Hall, giving Szoboszlai the opportunity to level from the spot.
The Liverpool midfielder remained calm under pressure and hammered his penalty into the roof of the net, securing a point for the visitors and ending a thrilling contest at 2-2.
For Newcastle, the late penalty denied what had appeared to be a winning start. Liverpool, meanwhile, left St James’ Park with a hard-earned draw after twice coming from behind.
