Dominik Szoboszlai rescued Liverpool from an opening day defeat with a dramatic stoppage time penalty in a breathless 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
It was virtually the final kick of a contest which had everything, emotion, intensity, controversy and a finale which left Newcastle devastated.
Anthony Elanga gave Matthias Jaissle’s side the perfect start before Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level after half time. Joe Willock then restored Newcastle’s advantage just two minutes later and appeared to have secured all three points.
But Victor Munoz was fouled by Lewis Hall inside the area in the dying seconds and Szoboszlai stepped forward.
There was enormous pressure on the Liverpool midfielder.
He responded by smashing the penalty into the roof of the net to earn Andoni Iraola a point from his first Premier League game in charge.
Emotional Keegan Tribute Sets Scene
This was an emotional afternoon long before the football began.
Liverpool and Newcastle supporters came together to remember Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.
Keegan occupies a unique place in the history of both clubs and the affection for him was obvious throughout St James’ Park.
A huge display featuring images of the former Liverpool and Newcastle great carried the words “King Kev”, while a moving collection of shirts left outside the stadium following his death was placed in the centre circle.
There was also a minute’s applause before kick off.
When the football finally started, Newcastle were sharper.
Osula released Elanga and the winger raced clear before guiding a confident finish beyond Alisson and into the far corner.
It was Elanga’s first Newcastle goal and gave Jaissle the start he had dreamed about.
Photo: IMAGO
Newcastle Impress Despite Late Heartbreak
Newcastle’s players could barely believe what had happened at the final whistle.
They had been seconds away from beating Liverpool and beginning a new era with a significant victory.
Instead,…
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