Dominik Szoboszlai’s last-gasp penalty ensured the Andoni Iraola era didn’t begin with a defeat, as Liverpool played out a back-and-forth 2–2 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League.There was a sense of trepidation on Tyneside for the Magpies’ opening fixture of the season, with uncertainty clouding a club that’s recently overhauled its playing personnel and parted ways with longtime manager Eddie Howe. However, it took less than five minutes for that nervous energy to morph into euphoria thanks to Anthony Elanga’s first Premier League goal in black and white. An electric breakaway was rounded off by the Swede, who failed to find the back of the net in 1,312 league minutes last term. Iraola’s Reds settled and were probably good value for their equalizer through Cody Gakpo only 10 minutes after halftime. A Liverpool turnaround seemed inevitable, but Newcastle, inspired by the irresistible Yoane Wissa, created another moment. Joe Willock’s goal restored their advantage, and they seemed destined to hold onto it right up until the last moment. This is a fixture defined by late drama, and on the day when both clubs paid tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, it was fitting that Liverpool snatched their point in the ninth minute of stoppage time.There were no advertising boards for Matthias Jaissle to slouch over after Dominik Szoboszlai crashed home a penalty to earn the Reds a result, but Newcastle’s new boss would’ve been encouraged by his team’s spirited and efficient showing. One Thing We Can’t IgnoreLiverpool were undone by Newcastle’s counterattacks. | Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesAndoni Iraola’s Bournemouth were rabid counter-pressers once possession was lost, often preventing opposition counter-attacks at source. However, his Liverpool team were twice compromised in defensive transition, highlighting chinks in their armor at the start of the new manager’s tenure. It’s going to take time for the Reds to re-emerge as a force out of possession, back to the days of Jürgen Klopp’s heavy metal soccer. Newcastle’s early goal came as a result of Liverpool’s midfield being caught too high up the pitch, and one of the center backs failing to step out of defense to engage William Osula, who received possession midway through his own half and was allowed to carry the ball upfield before releasing Elanga.They were better prepared to deal with the second goal, but Yoane Wissa had other ideas. His drive and wiggle to bypass the counter-press was outstanding, and Joe Willock’s collection and finish was equally superb. Such situations are more likely to be neutralized once Iraola’s group of players are up to speed and have reached the level of fitness their demanding coach requires. Still, you do wonder if the Reds should explore a potential deal for a specialist holding midfielder before the transfer deadline.Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1)The Toon Army let their feelings towards Isak known. | Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images*Ratings provided by FotMob*GK: Alisson—5.9: While he wasn’t forced into too many saves, Alisson’s positioning for the opening goal was poor.RB: Jeremie Frimpong—6.7: The energy he offers can’t be denied, with Frimpong buzzing up and down the right flank. However, the Dutchman struggled mightily to produce the final action when he found himself in promising positions.CB: Jérémy Jacquet—7.0: The Frenchman’s minutes are being managed at the start of his Liverpool career, so he got through only two-thirds of this encounter. Jacquet’s distribution was punchy, but it wasn’t easy for him up against the gangly Osula. CB: Virgil van Dijk—7.1: Van Dijk also had some difficulties containing Newcastle’s speedy forwards, even if he wasn’t offered much support from his midfield.LB: Milos Kerkez—6.4: He’s not the first, and he certainly won’t be the last to finish second in a running race with Elanga. However, Kerkez’s performance was concerning because it looked no different from last season. Frenetic, and he was booked in the first half.CM: Ryan Gravenberch—7.3: Produced a few first touches that made you purr, yet this felt like a performance bereft of substance, even if he did tee up Gakpo’s goal. CM: Dominik Szoboszlai—8.0: That was some penalty at the death.RW: Rio Ngumoha—6.4: There were a couple of jinks and jives, but we didn’t see all that much from the Liverpool starlet on his first go as Mohamed Salah’s apparent replacement. AM: Florian Wirtz—7.1: This was a familiar Wirtz performance for Liverpool supporters, and it won’t be long until he’s warming the bench if such indifference persists.LW: Cody Gakpo—8.3: Liverpool’s biggest threat on Tyneside, without question. His goal was brilliantly taken, and although there were one or two moments he squandered, Gakpo looked the most likely to make something happen throughout.ST: Alexander Isak—6.7: Isak’s first appearance at St. James’ Park since his record-breaking switch proved hostile. The Toon Army’s jeers only grew in intensity, and the Swede was deterred. SUB: Alexis Mac Allister (63’ for Ngumoha)—6.5: Few would suggest that the rather unathletic Argentine is the solution to stopping Liverpool from getting run all over in transition.SUB: Víctor Muñoz (63’ for Ngumoha)—6.7: A bright enough spark off the bench. Drew the foul from Lewis Hall that resulted in Liverpool’s penalty.SUB: Ronald Araújo (70’ for Jacquet)—6.5: Looked good off the bench, making a great tackle to deny another Newcastle burst.SUB: Lewis Koumas (78’ for Gravenberch)—6.3: A tidy enough cameo from the youngster.Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK), Wataru Endo, James McConnell, Kostas Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni.What These Ratings Tell UsThe hosts targeted Milos Kerkez. | Paul ELLIS/AFP/Getty ImagesLiverpool surely can’t operate with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong as their starting fullbacks in Iraola’s first season. Both endured tough debut campaigns, and although it’s very early days in their sophomore years, Sunday’s outing would’ve discouraged those who projected resurgences for the pair. There’s just too much chaos when they’re in the team, and their attacking output, including woeful crossing, doesn’t make up for defensive vulnerabilities.Brighter days lie ahead for young Rio Ngumoha, whose return visit to the site of his first Premier League goal wasn’t quite as prosperous. He’s currently the man tasked with mitigating Mohamed Salah’s exit, but his general discomfort down the right may ignite the Reds in the transfer market, with Deadline Day a little over a week out. Liverpool supporters have believed all summer that they can upgrade on Cody Gakpo, yet the Dutchman seems to be a critical part of Iraola’s framework at this early juncture. The Numbers That Explain Liverpool’s Tyneside ToilLiverpool are now winless in 19 Premier League games when they’ve conceded the first goal, drawing seven and losing 12.Newcastle retreated after their early goal and allowed Liverpool to dominate possession. The visitors ended the match having enjoyed 61% of the ball. The Reds’ xG haul of 2.73 suggests they were good value for their point. Newcastle mustered 1.43.The visitors did generate their lofty xG haul from a whopping 27 shots, but could only create three big chances.StatisticNewcastleLiverpoolPossession39%61%Expected Goals (xG)1.432.73Total Shots1327Shots on Target47Big Chances33Passing Accuracy76%84%Fouls Committed1615Corners26READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FCAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow