Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai scored a 98th-minute penalty as Liverpool rescued an opening game point at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United were dealt yet another cruel late blow against Liverpool as they opened their 2026/27 Premier League season with a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park.
The Matthias Jaissle era was off to a flyer with Anthony Elanga putting the hosts in front inside five minutes before Liverpool eqaulised through Cody Gakpo early in the second half.
Newcastle were level for only two minutes before substitute Joe Willock put Jaissle’s side back in front. And just as they looked to have held out for a big opening day three points, Lewis Hall was penalised for a foul on Victor Munoz inside the penalty box in the last minute of stoppage time.
After conceding with the last kick of the game a year ago in this fixture last season, history repeated itself for Newcastle. The only silver lining is that they picked up a point rather than fell to a defeat.
Referee Stuart Attwell paused briefly before pointing to the penalty spot. Despite it being Alexander Isak’s return to St James’ Park for the first time since leaving Newcastle last year, it was Dominik Szoboszlai that stepped up and converted to make it 2-2. Attwell then blew for full-time just as Newcastle restarted the game.
Explaining the decision to award Liverpool the penalty, the Premier League’s Match Centre stated: “90+6’ The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Hall on Muñoz was checked and confirmed by VAR.
“REF: “He doesn’t play the ball. He makes clear contact”. VAR: “It’s knee into thigh contact. Confirming the on-field decision of penalty.”
Next up for Newcastle is West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night.