A late penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai salvaged a point for Liverpool away to Newcastle United as Alexander Isak failed to shine on his return to St James’ Park.Newcastle looked to be getting all three points in Matthias Jaissle’s first Premier League game in charge until a late foul by Lewis Hall allowed Szoboszlai to hammer home.Andoni Iraola’s side struggled to cope with the directness of Newcastle as the home side shocked Liverpool with a breakaway opener early on from Anthony Elanga. Cody Gakpo pulled a goal in the second half, but soon after Joe Willock, who had only just come on, put Newcastle back in front. Both goals highlighted Liverpool’s midfield issues, which have been a concern throughout pre-season since Iraola took over from Arne Slot.Isak, who moved between the clubs last summer in controversial circumstances, was loudly booed and whistled when his name was read out, and received a fiery welcome when getting off the team bus. He struggled to make a positive impact.Jaissle was in the Newcastle dugout for the first time in a competitive game and the way his team counter-attacked against Liverpool will give them encouragement after so much change over the summer. For Iraola, there remain issues to iron out.There were also tributes before the match for Kevin Keegan, a hero for both sides, who passed away last month, with fans from both sides across the ground holding banners and a tifo across both home and away sections.Chris Waugh and Andy Jones break down the action.Kevin Keegan tributes at St James' ParkJames PearceHow did Isak cope on his Newcastle return?Isak was never going to receive a warm welcome for his first game at St James’ Park since moving to Liverpool last summer.Newcastle supporters were keen to let him know their feelings long before the whistle blew to begin the match, as plenty of boos were sent in his direction as he warmed up. They continued as the match began, with every touch booed and the “one greedy b******” chant sung repeatedly. A roar greeted every occasion he was dispossessed.There was little Isak could do to quieten them. He was well marshalled by the centre-back pairing of Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman. At times in the first half, it felt like watching the Isak of last season, as Liverpool failed to get him into the game or create openings (illustrated in the dashboard below).He had a header blocked early in the second half, but he was left feeding off scraps. When a cross did come his way, he appeared to swing at thin air.His day was summed up when he blazed an effort over the bar from just inside the area after 69 minutes. That brought one of the biggest cheers of the day from the home crowd.Alexander Isak was not welcomed back to Newcastle by the home fans (George Wood/Getty Images)Andy JonesIs Newcastle’s direct style the way to go?If only Elanga had managed to finish off an almost identical chance at Villa Park on his Newcastle debut a year ago, then the winger’s first season on Tyneside may have taken on a very different complexion.Newcastle’s hierarchy felt that Jaissle’s arrival — and the head coach’s desire to send fast wingers in behind opposition defences — could bring out the best in Elanga. The early signs are certainly positive.In the fifth minute, Amar Dedic, making his debut after joining from Benfica, won the ball inside his own area, allowing Will Osula to pick up possession and drive forward through the middle of the pitch. The striker saw Elanga advancing at a rapid pace down the right and threaded a delicious through ball, allowing the Swede to sprint away from Milos Kerkez and into the area, where he finished across Alisson into the far corner. At Villa Park last year, Elanga fluffed the final action, but not on this occasion at St James’ Park.Elanga slots home Newcastle’s breakaway goal (George Wood/Getty Images)That was just the start Newcastle required and the early concession rattled Liverpool. At every opportunity, Newcastle defenders and midfielders tried to send their forward players in behind Liverpool’s high line. Osula was particularly dangerous, with a one-on-one effort blocked by Alisson, until the Dane became hampered by a leg problem that affected his mobility.Yoane Wissa appeared liberated in a more withdrawn ‘No 10’ role, pulling the strings, driving forwards with possession and threading balls.It was Wissa who brilliantly created Newcastle’s second goal. Having just switched to a striker role after Osula departed with a knock, he advanced through the middle of the pitch beyond Liverpool players before passing it off to Willock, who had been on the field for less than a minute. The midfielder then finished expertly into the far corner.Newcastle cannot play this way in every match, especially not on Tyneside, where many opposition sides will come and set up deeper, but this was an encouraging introduction to the attacking part of ‘Jaissle-ball’.Chris WaughWhy has midfield proved such an issue under Iraola?Liverpool’s midfield has been a constant point of discussion throughout pre-season, and that showed no signs of stopping as the new campaign began.Concerns have been raised about the space that pre-season opponents have exposed between Iraola’s midfield pivot and defence. Newcastle wasted no time in doing the same, as they exploited that exact area to open the scoring after four minutes.Iraola plays with two midfielders and he wants them to be aggressive and forward-thinking. The risk is that if they are both in high positions and Liverpool turn the ball over, the team is in trouble.Andoni Iraola questions a decision at St James’ Park (Molly Darlington/Getty Images)It is what led to Elanga’s goal. Ryan Gravenberch saw his pass intercepted on the edge of the area and as the ball turned over, he was standing next to his midfield partner Szoboszlai, who was also in the Newcastle box. They were Liverpool’s two furthest forward players at that moment.Even when they did have the players in the correct space, they failed to stop counter-attacks — Wissa could run away from Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in the build-up to the second goal.A starting-calibre, defensive-minded midfield profile is something that Iraola does not have in his squad. They are unlikely to add one before the end of the window, with priorities focused elsewhere, but it is an area Liverpool must improve — otherwise, teams will continue to target it.Andy JonesHow was Keegan celebrated?Kevin Keegan, a legend of both clubs, died last month and this game was always earmarked for special tributes.Wor Flags, the Newcastle fan group, planned the stadium-wide pre-match displays, which were erected as David Bowie’s Heroes played over the speakers and chants of “there’s only one Kevin Keegan” filled the ground.A tifo to honour Kevin Keegan (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty ImagesBoth teams had warmed up in special training tops with “Keegan 7” on the back, while the entire Sir John Hall Stand also depicted the same message. In the East Stand, a pulley system was used to show images of Keegan and the moniker “King Kev”. In the Gallowgate End, a banner with a Keegan quote was displayed: “I want people to dream about football club. We should all be dreamers at heart. Some people are the opposite and say, ‘We can’t do that’, but when I ask them why, they can’t give a reason. Well, I say, ‘Why not?’.”A minute’s applause before kick-off then capped off what was a poignant and emotional day for both clubs.Chris WaughWhat next for Newcastle?Wednesday, August 26: West Bromwich Albion (home), Carabao Cup, 7.45pm UK, 2.45pm ETWhat next for Liverpool?Saturday, August 29: Nottingham Forest (home), Premier League, 12.30pm UK, 7.30am ET