Liverpool snatch dramatic late point after Newcastle threaten opening-day upset

Liverpool avoided defeat in Andoni Iraola’s first competitive game in charge after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a dramatic last-second penalty to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

The Reds twice fell behind at St James’ Park, with Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock scoring for Newcastle.

Cody Gakpo initially equalised for Liverpool before Szoboszlai rescued a point with virtually the final kick.

Six Dutch players started the game, including Newcastle debutant Sean Steur alongside Sven Botman, while Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Gakpo featured for Liverpool.

Newcastle made the perfect start.

Elanga opened the scoring after only five minutes, putting Matthias Jaissle’s side ahead in his first Premier League match in charge.

Liverpool controlled more of the possession and created opportunities, but Newcastle protected their advantage to go into half-time 1-0 ahead.

Liverpool eventually found their equaliser ten minutes after the restart.

Gravenberch provided the assist and Gakpo finished to make it 1-1, opening his account for the season amid continued uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with Tottenham, with Spurs pushing to sign him before the transfer window closes.

However, Liverpool’s celebrations lasted less than two minutes.

Willock came off the Newcastle bench and almost immediately restored the hosts’ advantage, putting Jaissle’s side back in front at 2-1.

Newcastle appeared to have done enough to secure all three points as the match moved beyond the five minutes of indicated stoppage time.

Then came one final twist.

Lewis Hall brought David Muñoz down inside the penalty area, giving Liverpool a last-gasp opportunity to escape with a point.

Szoboszlai stepped forward and emphatically fired the penalty into the top-left corner to make it 2-2.

The goal denied Jaissle a winning start at Newcastle and prevented Iraola from beginning his Liverpool reign with defeat.

Liverpool have escaped an opening-day defeat, but Iraola will know his side must improve after twice falling behind.

Attention will also quickly return to Gakpo’s future. Tottenham remain interested, while Liverpool’s attempts to strengthen their attack could ultimately determine whether the Dutchman is allowed to leave Anfield before the deadline.

Should Liverpool keep Gakpo after his opening-day goal, or cash in if Tottenham return with a major offer?