Dominik Szoboszlai scored a 99th-minute penalty as Liverpool salvaged a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in an opening-weekend Premier League thriller at St. James’ Park.
Szoboszlai Stoppage-Time Penalty Rescues Liverpool in Four-Goal Thriller at Newcastle
Liverpool snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in an exhilarating Premier League 2026-27 opener at St. James’ Park. A 99th-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai denied the Magpies a memorable home victory after an intense, end-to-end clash on Matchweek 1. See also: Fulham 2-3 Chelsea FC: Blues Win Five-Goal Thriller
Elanga Gives Newcastle the Perfect Start
The atmosphere at St. James’ Park was electric from the opening whistle, and the home supporters did not have to wait long for the opening goal. In the 5th minute, Newcastle pounced on a loose turnover in midfield. Anthony Elanga sprinted behind Liverpool’s backline and finished past Alisson Becker to hand the Magpies a dream start.
Liverpool responded by dominating possession and pinning Newcastle deep into their own territory. Despite creating several promising openings, the Reds struggled to break down Newcastle’s resilient defense before the interval.
Second-Half Drama and Quickfire Exchanges
The contest burst into life early in the second half. Liverpool found their equalizer in the 55th minute when Cody Gakpo received the ball on the edge of the area and arrowed a low strike into the bottom corner.
However, parity lasted less than two minutes. Newcastle struck back immediately in the 57th minute through substitute Joe Willock. After a darting run from Yoane Wissa, Willock collected the ball and curled a clinical effort into the net to restore Newcastle’s 2-1 lead, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.
Szoboszlai Keeps His Cool from the Spot
As the clock ticked down, Liverpool threw numbers forward in search of a late lifeline. Newcastle defended heroically and looked set to claim all three points as regulation time expired.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. In the 99th minute, substitute Víctor Muñoz was brought down inside the penalty area by Lewis Hall, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the penalty spot. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up under massive pressure and calmly smashed his spot-kick into the net to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw for the visitors.
The final whistle concluded an unforgettable opening-weekend spectacle, with both sides walking away with a point after an enthralling contest.