Newcastle 2–2 Liverpool — Szoboszlai’s late penalty spares Liverpool
Anthony Elanga gave Newcastle an early lead, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai replied for Liverpool, Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty made it 2-2.
Drama at St. James' Park as Liverpool snatch a stoppage-time penalty to earn a 2-2 draw on 23 August 2026.
Newcastle started strongly and took an early lead through Anthony Elanga in the fifth minute, but Liverpool hit back in the second half and the game finished all-square after a late spot-kick.
Late twist after a frantic second half
Cody Gakpo restored parity for the visitors with a trademark long-range strike in the 55th minute, cancelling out Elanga’s early opener. The joy for Liverpool lasted only briefly: Yoane Wissa combined with Joe Willock, who turned home to put Newcastle 2-1 just two minutes later.
Following Newcastle’s second goal Liverpool pressed for an equaliser and created a series of half-chances, but the breakthrough did not arrive until the dying moments. Deep into stoppage time, Lewis Hall challenged Muñoz inside the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-2, rescuing a point for the Reds and leaving St. James' Park in stunned silence.
The draw leaves both sides with a share of the spoils in the opening round of the new Premier League season; Newcastle will be frustrated after coming so close to victory, while Liverpool will breathe easier after the late reprieve.
Photo: press material from the event
