NEWCASTLE 2-2 LIVERPOOL: Alexander Isak had the last laugh as Liverpool snatched a last-gasp point on Tyneside after he had been relentlessly booed for 90 minutes19:25, 23 Aug 2026It was never going to end quietly.‌And on a stage made for heroes and villains, Dominik Szoboszlai rescued Liverpool in the 99th minute. As endings go, it was cruel and dramatic in equal measure.‌Szoboszlai crashed a penalty into the roof of the net before Liverpool’s players celebrated their smash-and-grab point with the travelling fans up in the gods at St James’ Park.‌For the second year running, Liverpool broke Newcastle hearts deep into added time as Rio Ngumoha snatched a 100th-minute winner last year.This time, it was in the 99th minute with barely time for the restart which was so tough on Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle and his new-look team.‌Newcastle have sold half the squad this summer, changed managers and yet they have not lost their soul or character because they fought and showed so much courage.Twice Newcastle led and they revelled in making Alexander Isak the pantomime villain on his first return to St James’ Park. Nothing went Isak’s way.The Toon Army booed Isak’s every touch and they will never forgive his treachery but in Jaissle they have found an inspirational leader.‌They scrapped, made life hard for the visitors and, for so long, it looked like Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola would get off to a losing start in his first game in charge.Liverpool did look disjointed, the squad still needs a lot of work before the transfer window shuts and you can be certain they will be better in the weeks ahead.‌But whether Liverpool will be among the title challengers remains to be seen and may depend on their transfer business because they look short at the moment.The bigger fear was for Newcastle after their mass exodus of all their big names and, after so many pre-match tributes for Kevin Keegan, you can be sure the late, great legend of both clubs would have been looking down enjoying such a dramatic game.Newcastle could - and maybe should - have won but Liverpool stayed fighting until the end even if they were way below their best.‌It was loud, highly-charged and emotional even before kick-off and then erupted after just five minutes. Even in their wildest dreams, the Toon Army could not have expected such a dream start.Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch charged forward, a shooting chance opened up but he overran the ball and allowed one of Newcastle’s army of new signings, Amar Dedic, to clear.Newcastle forward Will Osula led the charge, he played in Anthony Elanga and the jet-heeled Sweden forward’s cross shot beat Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker.‌Liverpool came back and it took a sensational save from Newcastle’s new keeper Lukas Hornicek to keep out Florian Wirtz’s shot. The new signings are promising.But Liverpool’s pressure was building. They levelled after half time. Gravenberch fed the ball into Cody Gakpo and the Liverpool forward arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner from outside the box. At that moment, Liverpool had the momentum.‌But Jaissle made two changes - Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock came on - and, in keeping with everything else on his first day in charge, he proved himself to be a tactical genius. His enthusiasm is so infectious.Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa led a brave counter attack, used all his strength to hold off Liverpool defenders and then fed Willock who scored with a low shot. The whole place erupted again.Wissa had two chances to kill the game and make it 3-1. One was a sitter. And Liverpool just kept going and never gave up even if they lacked some quality in the final third.Article continues belowLiverpool substitute Victor Munoz charged into the box. Newcastle defender Lewis Hall made a clumsy challenge. Referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot and Hall just hung his head in despair. Szoboszlai made no mistake.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.