Newcastle vs Liverpool takeaways: 2 winners and losers from 2-2 thriller

Dominik Szoboszlai spared Liverpool's blushes and decade long undefeated opening day record with an emphatic penalty in the 99th minute after a stuttering start from the Reds.

Anthony Elanga's opener highlighted structural issues in Liverpool's midfield and, after Cody Gakpo's equaliser, Joe Willock's goal made them even more obvious.

But Newcastle away with a new manager after a torrid season last year was not the easiest start to proceedings, and while Andoni Iraola will be disappointed with a draw, there is plenty of time for the Reds to improve.

So, after Sunday's bout, who were the winners and losers in Liverpool's squad?

Winners:

1 - Iraola's substitutes

Squad depth has been a hotly contested issue all summer. And rightly so - the Reds (still) look light across midfield and defence, but each substitute Iraola introduced at St James' Park on Sunday impacted the game positively.

Victor Munoz and Alexis Mac Allister came on in the 63rd minute, and both were key in driving Liverpool towards an equaliser. Munoz won the penalty after decisive running into the box, and Mac Allister brought more stability into Liverpool's midfield.

Ronald Araujo and Lewis Koumas also helped add freshness into Liverpool's performance late in the second-half, with the Uruguayan providing more bite in defence, and the Welshman injecting a sense of urgency with his pressing.

It's important Iraola trusts those on his bench, and at the moment, it's clear the Basque head coach has options he wants to turn to during a game.

2 - Dominik Szoboszlai

Prior to the penalty, the Hungarian didn't have the best of games. He was a passenger at times, and struggled to make an impact.

However, it cannot be understated just how difficult that penalty was - in a high pressure cooker environment, so loud he wasn't able to even hear the referee's whistle, and yet it looked like a penalty he could do with his eyes closed.

Liverpool's number 8 goes one way when taking penalties - his left, the keeper's right. And yet, the only time he has missed is when he's hit the bar or post. No goalkeeper has ever saved a Szoboszlai penalty.

Szoboszlai demonstrated his value to the Reds last season, and has continued in that vein already this year. While more can be expected from him, the entire squad is still getting used to a new manager and his new expectations. Patience is needed from everyone around the club right now.

Losers:

1 - Florian Wirtz

Keep your pitchforks away. The German is not a 'loser' from this game with regards to his performance - he looked as good as anyone in red on Sunday, and is still clearly getting used to football under Iraola.

He could be considered a 'loser' in that his two midfield partners are stifling what makes him so special. Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai frequently ran past the German when they were in possession, trying to have the final action for themselves.

Gravenberch did this at least twice, and the Reds ended up conceding twice because of it. The Dutchman is a wonderful player and has many great qualities, but Wirtz is one of the best attacking players in the world, and the Reds should be looking to give him the ball whenever possible.

Liverpool's number 7 was so successful at Bayer Leverkusen with two disciplined, defensive, midfielders behind him.

Gravenberch filled that role well in the 2024/25 season, and while Szoboszlai naturally attacks more as well, the issue now is that the spaces Wirtz picks up are congested with not only opposition players, but his own team mates too.

It will remain to be seen if this is by design and part of Iraola's tactics, but it didn't work on Sunday and left the Reds vulnerable on the counter.

2 - Liverpool's fullbacks

It was a tough afternoon for Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong (amongst many others).

Liverpool fans were spoilt with a legendary fullback pairing for the better part of 10 years, and as a result expectations for Kerkez and Frimpong could be a little too high.

Both players are good at what they do. Kerkez is very strong defensively and dangerous on the overlap. Frimpong is equally as good bombing forward, but can be a bit weak in challenges or against stronger wingers.

But the fullback's deliveries left a lot to be desired on Sunday. The two had some great opportunities to punish Newcastle and find Alexander Isak but neither were able to take advantage.

Again, a pairing similar to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson come around once in a blue moon. While no one is expecting them to replicate that combo, there is a standard the fullbacks will need to reach if they are to be successful in Merseyside.

Overall, while the performance on Sunday was not the best start the squad could have hoped for, patience is required. There will be a 'hangover' from the end of Arne Slot's reign, and Iraola will need time to implement what he wants from his players.

The Reds will hope for improvement in their next game against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on the 29th of August at 12:30pm BST.

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