Newcastle vs Liverpool: Szoboszlai saves Iraola blushes as Reds hold Magpies to a draw

Liverpool, under the new management of Andoni Iraola, head to St James Park with the mindset of starting their season strong.

However, despite Newcastle losing key players and their manager, Eddie Howe, this summer, they held their ground against the Reds. 

They fought hard to secure a narrow 2-2 draw over Liverpool and secure their first point of the season.

In his first Premier League match in charge, new Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle handed a debut to defender Amar Dedic against Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola fielded a familiar Liverpool lineup for his Premier League debut as manager, pairing Jeremy Jacquet with Virgil van Dijk in central defence and starting Rio Ngumoha on the right flank.

The hosts started brightly, launching a rapid counter-attack after Liverpool surrendered possession in Newcastle territory.

Osula took the ball from the middle of the park and sighted Anthony Elanga bursting forward with a precise pass, and the winger slotted the ball past the goalkeeper with ease.

In the second half, Liverpool responded with an equaliser in the 55th minute after Cody Gakpo struck a shot from outside the box to beat the goalkeeper.

It did not take long before Newcastle restored their lead, with substitute Joe Willock picking out the bottom corner perfectly.

Newcastle were close to securing a narrow victory over Liverpool in their first game of the season.

However, a late penalty was awarded to the Reds, with Dominik Szoboszlai converting the spotkick to earn a 2-2 draw.