Liverpool could only settle for a 2-2 draw in their Premier League fixture against Newcastle United. The clash held at St James’ Park was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. In the 99th minute, when stoppage time was nearly over, Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up to the penalty spot and slotted the ball into the net with composure. This last-gasp, nerve-wracking penalty hauled the team back from the brink of defeat, snatching a single point in a dramatic turn of events. The last-minute equalizer finally let the entire Liverpool squad breathe a sigh of relief, but the result also laid bare a pile of issues facing new head coach Andoni Iraola: the defense cannot withstand opponents’ attacks, midfield players cannot form a compatible combination, the attack lacks the creativity to generate scoring chances, and the depth of the team’s substitute squad cannot support the physical toll of competing in multiple competitions—all are pressing problems that demand urgent solutions. Throughout the match, Liverpool were never the side cruising to an easy win; they fell behind twice and had to fight tooth and nail to claw their way back. Before Szoboszlai converted that penalty, everyone was convinced Liverpool were set to lose the game, with no chance of a turnaround left.

Iraola’s Side Still Have Work to Do as Liverpool Rescue 2-2 Draw at Newcastle

Liverpool take a point from Newcastle United as Szoboszlai converts an injury-time penalty in 2-2 draw at St James’ Park

The late leveller came as a relief for Liverpool but the outcome also highlighted numerous problems exposed to new manager Andoni Iraola, especially at the back, through midfield balance and creativity, attacking threat and squad depth.

Liverpool trailed on two occasions, facing the prospect of defeat before Szoboszlai snugly slotted home from the spot at the death.

Liverpool avoid late drama with a draw

It was a hostile atmosphere at St James’ Park throughout the game as Newcastle kept coming back at Liverpool.

Liverpool – having never looked like giving it in – then won a penalty as time nearly ebbed away. Dominik Szoboszlai wrote his name in history by holding his nerve to take a point back for the visitors.

The result was certainly better than defeat for Iraola but the showing pointed to Liverpool still having much work to do before rejoining the Premier League elites.

It also spared Liverpool an opening-weekend defeat for the first time since 2012-13.

Iraola delighted with Liverpool’s fight

The defensive issues brought a clear sense of consternation for Iraola, but he praised his players for the “determination and energy” they showed.

The Liverpool manager praised the way his team battled through to the last kick and felt they had more than enough for a point at least.

That mentality could become crucial as Liverpool switching to a new tactical approach under Iraola.

The influence of his substitutions came as another source of warm praise for the manager and helped shape a finish Liverpool’s fresh legs firmly controlled.

Focus on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak

Most of the pre-match attention was on two of Liverpool’s biggest attacking names – Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

Wirtz began brightly but was soon replaced after Newcastle went 2-1 up. His flashes of creative brilliance were unable to influence the game consistently.

Newcastle, too, brought more drama to the contest by introducing Isak back into their side. The Sweden international was jeered by the home fans every time he had the ball.

With the striker getting 28 touches and looking lively at times, as he always does but wasting a massive chance in the second period.

Liverpool will need a great deal more from both players as the season progresses, especially with the huge expectations surrounding their arrivals.

Major positive is Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo was one of the big positives for Liverpool, dazzling throughout and finding himself on the scoresheet with a quality finish.

The flying Dutchman appeared to threaten throughout the contest and showed exactly why his future could dominate conversation in the dying embers of the transfer window.

Having been focused on more attacking additions, Liverpool are said to still be interested in other offensive players, meaning what Gakpo’s role becomes more than he already has could soon be a story that makes for an interesting read before the end of January.

But against Newcastle, his performance only strengthened the argument for him to become a more regular player.

Victor Munoz makes an impact

Another highlight was Victor Munoz who made his senior Liverpool debut from the bench.

Munoz was involved late in the game and won the penalty for Szoboszlai to equalise.

His lively profile could also provide Iraola with an additional attacking selection at a time when Liverpool are looking for extra depth.

Defensive problems remain a concern

The Reds’ attack had its moments of quality, but it is at the back where major questions were asked.

Full-back Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong didn’t have it easy as Newcastle constantly had chances on the break.

Liverpool are at their most susceptible when losing possession and both Newcastle goals highlighted fragility in transition defensively.

There was also the lack of any real natural holding midfielder

Iraola was even forced to use Alexis Mac Allister as a deep-lying figure in front of his back four after Newcastle went 2-1 up, further underlining the fact that greater balance is required within his squad.

Liverpool need more squad depth

Maybe the biggest lesson of the match was Liverpool’s desire for more alternatives.

With Munoz and Mac Allister two of his options, Iraola would also be able to turn to Giorgi Mamardashvili, Ronald Araujo, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas from the bench.

And that sort of situation highlights the significance of squad depth over a long Premier League demigod.

Liverpool will be chasing trophies on multiple fronts and injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion could swiftly highlight any weaknesses across the squad.

Transfer window could be crucial

Liverpool ownership will be in focus as transfer window ticks towards closing.

With the club also reportedly interested in more attacking players, that would indicate to Iraola is not yet satisfied with what is available.

Liverpool required more craft, an attacking body to share the load and perhaps a further option in defensive midfield if they are to challenge at the right end of the Premier League on a regular basis.

Wirtz and Isak’s respective performances will also be followed keenly as the season progresses.

Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool’s late hero

All Liverpool’s troubles or otherwise ran through Dominik Szoboszlai, who kept his nerve when it was needed most.

In the 99th minute, however, the midfielder stepped up to score a confident penalty to make it 2-2.

That altered the course of everything. A disappointing defeat was suddenly a valuable away point.

The mentality Iraola wants from his squad was visible there, the players of Liverpool fighting until the final whistle.

What the Newcastle result means for Liverpool

Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal (30 October)★★★1/3Duty done.

Positive signs

Liverpool refused to give up.

Szoboszlai delivered under huge pressure.

Cody Gakpo impressed.

Victor Munoz stepped up to make an immediate impact.

The replacements contributed towards Liverpool’s late push.

The squad got late physical energy.

Areas for improvement

If a massive issue has persisted, defensive transition remains a big problem.

Liverpool need more creativity.

The midfield lacks defensive balance.

Wirtz and Isak must combine for even stronger attacking chemistry.

Full-back performances must improve.

Iraola needs greater squad depth.

4 Liverpool must be more consistent vs teams who counter attack

Final verdict

The 2–2 draw by Liverpool at Newcastle turned out to be more sigh than cheer.

But the team fought back to show that there is a spirit within it and Iraola at least obtains a point from a tough away fixture. This was also a patently work-in-progress for Liverpool.

The attacking talent is there, but the balance of the side needs work. Wirtz and Isak need to link show more, while the defence and midfield needs protecting much better.

Liverpool have time to turn it around too with the transfer window still enabling them to bolster their ranks.

For Iraola, the lesson is straightforward: mentality in place, but still need to work on quality and quantity of the squad.

Liverpool escape with dramatic late draw

Throughout the match, the atmosphere at St James’ Park remained unbearably tense, as Newcastle piled on continuous pressure on the pitch.