A late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty rescued a point for Liverpool in a thrilling 2-2 draw at St James' Park, extending their recent unbeaten record against Newcastle United..
The hosts took the lead five minutes into through Anthony Elanga, scoring his first Premier League goal for the club, before Cody Gakpo levelled it up with a strike from distance.
The hosts restored their lead two minutes later through Joe Willock, and it looked like they were going to take all three points until Victor Muñoz won a late penalty. Dominik Szoboszlai then smashed it past the goalkeeper from the spot.
A result that now means the Magpies are winless in their previous 20 Premier League matches against the Reds.
Here are the five key talking points from the thrilling encounter:
1. Magnificent Munoz
Victor Munoz changed the dynamic of the game when he stepped onto the pitch, coming on forRio Ngumoha, who had struggled all game up against Lewis Hall, it was a difficult environment for the debutant to step into.
The Spanish winger won the penalty brilliantly, good movement inside the box caught the English left-back on his heels. It was not just the penalty he won that caught the eye, his direct dribbling and pace caused nightmares for that Newcastle defence.
With Ngumoha having a difficult game on the right, the summer signing has put his case forward to start the game on Saturday against Nottingham Forrest.
2. Midfield issues
There has been a lot of backlash following the draw over the structural positioning of Iraola's midfield, both goals the Reds conceded came from Ryan Gravenberch giving away possession on the edge of the Newcastle box.
The home side then had the freedom to hurt Liverpool on the transition due to the lack of presence in midfield, which has caused concern among the Liverpool fanbase. A debate has since sparked online over whether a more defensively minded player is needed in the middle of the park to provide better balance to the midfield.
It was the first time Liverpool had conceded two fast breaks in one match since the opening game of last season against Iraola's Bournemouth.
Ryan Gravenberch has made that number six position his own ever since won young player of the season playing that roll in the title winning campaign. Now that oppositions are finding so much space on the break, it could be time for Liverpool to look into the market.
3. Jacquet impresses again
Jeremy Jacquet showed his qualities once more following an excellent performance on his debut in the Reds’ final game of pre-season. The French centre-back showcased his ability on the ball, and whenever Liverpool had possession at the back, Jacquet consistently looked to play the forward pass.
In such an intense environment where any time Newcastle won the ball high the away side would be in trouble, the defender proved he is not afraid of loosing possession. His line breaking passes was a joy to see and will be a massive asset to Iraola this season.
Before the game there was plenty of discussion on which one of Liverpool's new signings would partner Virgil Van Djik, it seems that the Frenchman is the preferred choice for Iraola going forward. Signing for £60 million in January, it is a great sight to see the new man make an impression right away.
4. Gakpo makes statement
Cody Gakpo was the best attacker on the pitch for Liverpool, getting shots away every opportunity he had. That persistence paid of when his finish from outside the box found the back of the net, the Dutchmen showing Iraola that he his still an integral part of this team.
The winger has been linked with a move away from Merseyside all summer, with reports coming out of interest from Manchester City and Tottenham. The performance at St James' Park was a reminder to the fans on what he can produce.
With potential issues coming to light in other areas of the pitch, and the amount of money Liverpool may use to replace Cody Gakpo. It asks the question, should the club be focused on other parts of this team rather than buying a left-sided forward.
5. Szoboszlai saves Liverpool
The composure showed at the end from Dominik Szoboszlai with the game on the line was outstanding, a penalty in the last minute of the game and the Hungarian smashed it right into the top left corner of the goal.
The man Liverpool relied on so heavily last season, stepped up for his side to earn a point. The midfielders record from the spot is impeccable, only missing twice in his career.
Recently being announced as one of the vice-captains for this season, Szoboszlai showed those leadership qualities by stepping up and dispatching the penalty.
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