Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool ended in extraordinary fashion at St. James’ Park, where Dominik Szoboszlai held his nerve from the penalty spot in the 90+9th minute to rescue a Premier League point for Liverpool.
In a fixture framed by the sense of new eras taking shape at both clubs, Newcastle looked set to claim a statement victory after responding immediately to Liverpool’s second-half equaliser. But Szoboszlai’s late intervention ensured the spoils were shared after a frantic contest in front of 52,630 supporters.
Elanga gives Newcastle the perfect start
Newcastle began with the intensity their home support demanded and struck after only five minutes. Anthony Elanga scored in the 5th minute, putting the hosts ahead and giving them an early platform from which to frustrate Liverpool’s possession-heavy approach.
Liverpool controlled plenty of the ball, finishing with 60.8% possession and 27 attempts to Newcastle’s 13, but the home side remained compact, combative and dangerous when breaking forward. The first half carried a growing edge, with Yoane Wissa booked for Newcastle in the 25th minute and Liverpool full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong both cautioned in the 30th.
Newcastle took their 1-0 advantage into the interval, having made their early incision count.
Second-half blows and a stunning final twist
Liverpool finally found a way through in the 55th minute when Cody Gakpo scored to level the match. The visitors had the momentum at that point, with their six corners and seven shots on target reflecting sustained pressure around the Newcastle penalty area.
Yet the response from the hosts was immediate and emphatic. Just two minutes later, Joe Willock scored in the 57th minute to restore Newcastle’s lead, sending St. James’ Park into celebration and putting Liverpool back under severe pressure.
Newcastle defended their advantage deep into a tense closing spell, though Liverpool continued to press. The pressure culminated in a late penalty, and Szoboszlai converted in the 90+9th minute to make it 2-2. It was a ruthless finish under immense pressure and a bitterly late concession for the home side.
The final whistle came shortly afterwards, confirming a draw that Liverpool will regard as a hard-earned recovery and Newcastle will feel was agonisingly close to becoming a marquee home win.
What’s next
Newcastle United return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, August 29. Liverpool are also back in action that day, travelling to face Nottingham Forest.
Goals: Anthony Elanga 5′; Cody Gakpo 55′; Joe Willock 57′; Dominik Szoboszlai 90+9′ (pen).
