Liverpool drew 2-2 with Newcastle United on 28 October 2023, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring the late penalty. The match, played at St James' Park, saw Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola secure a point after a 96th-minute goal.
Match Overview
Newcastle, under German coach Matthias Jaissle, opened the scoring through Anthony Elanga in the 7th minute, taking a 1-0 lead. A second goal from Yoane Wissa in the 18th minute gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage. Liverpool responded with a late equaliser from Cody Gakpo in the 55th minute, but the visitors were reduced to ten men after a red card to Joe Willock in the 73rd minute.
Key Moments
With only 30 seconds of added time left, Newcastle appeared to have secured a win. However, a foul by Lewis Hall on substitute Victor Munoz triggered a penalty. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and struck the ball high into the top left corner, turning the game into a 2-2 draw. The penalty was a crucial moment for Iraola, who had taken over from Arne Slot after the summer sacking.
Player Performances
Liverpool struggled with cohesion on the right side, as Jeremie Frimpong and Rio Ngumoha failed to find rhythm. Alexander Isak, who had been booed on his return to St James' Park, appeared drained and lacked confidence. In contrast, Newcastle’s defense, led by new goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, was resolute, though they missed chances from Wissa and Joe Willock.
The match also highlighted the impact of recent transfers. Cody Gakpo, a summer signing, scored Liverpool’s first goal, while the team’s bench included three new players, making it difficult to gauge the squad’s overall balance.
Conclusion
The draw leaves Liverpool still grappling with the challenges inherited from the Slot era, but the stoppage-time penalty provides a silver lining for Iraola’s early tenure. The penalty was struck into the top left corner by Dominik Szoboszlai.
