The first game of the season was full of passion before the match even kicked off as a strong tribute to Kevin Keegan, a legend for both clubs, rallied both sides in an emotional moment.

Story of the Match

Liverpool started strong with a lot of possession and a few chances, including a move that resulted in a shot by Florian Wirtz that was blocked. However, William Osula led a strong counter-attacking move and fed the ball into Anthony Elanga, who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. Elanga’s speed was too much for Milos Kerkez, whom he defeated in a footrace convincingly. Newcastle repeatedly exposed this left channel throughout the game, and it was an apparent weakness for the Reds. 

Despite the early goal, both teams seemed up for the challenge, pushing the ball forward and flying into tackles. Going forward, there was promise but also frustration, with Florian Wirtz proving to be the most dangerous threat, testing Hornicek multiple times within the first 20 minutes. However, it was an eventful return to St James’ Park for Alexander Isak, who was subject to boos from the crowd each time he touched the ball. His involvement wasn’t limited, but his effectiveness was significantly marred as he was complacent and almost unsure of himself, losing the ball on numerous occasions.

The left-hand side for Liverpool remained a weak point that Newcastle consistently targeted, with Gakpo and Kerkez failing to communicate well, leaving Kerkez overexposed during Newcastle’s explosive counterattacks.

The midfield battle between the clubs was the most balanced area on the field, and with Newcastle a goal up, they had more spring in their step, being spurred on by the home crowd. Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Wirtz were not shy as they pushed the ball forward repeatedly, looking for attacking outlets and chances were being created, but decision-making and link-up play in the final third wasn’t clinical enough. Ngumoha was being locked down by Lewis Hall, and Isak failed to take up positions in the opposing box for the wide players to find him. There was a noticeable lack of presence in the final stage of attack that hindered any chances on goal.

The biggest problem throughout was Yoane Wissa, who routinely dropped deep and carried the ball strongly. The Liverpool midfield was attacking strongly but failed to grasp the game defensively, making the middle of the pitch very free and open. It was the source of Newcastle's threats, with Wissa either playing Elanga through on the right or Osula through the middle. Either Gravenberch or Szoboszlai needed to communicate and commit defensively.

Credits: BBC

Both teams came storming out of the blocks in the second half with opportunities on both ends, Liverpool having a close attempt on goal before a goal line clearance. There was more intent, and it felt as though it was only a matter of time before a goal was scored.

Ngumoha, as always, played with bursts of energy and confidence, but the matchup with Lewis Hall stifled him. Hall was quick on his feet, which limited Ngumoha’s involvement going forward. Alexander Isak only had two touches in the Newcastle penalty area, failing to be a threat, with the occasion of the match seemed to be affecting him, and Hugo Ekitike’s confidence was dearly missed 

Cody Gakpo may not have been having his best game in a Liverpool shirt, but he was our biggest threat going forward. A moment of individual brilliance provided the team with a lifeline. Gakpo picked up space in the pockets between Newcastle’s attack and midfield and powered a strong low shot into the bottom left corner. A strong and convincing strike. After knocking on Newcastle’s door a few times, the Reds finally found a way through. Gakpo hasn’t been shy to attack, as he was creating chances for himself in the first half and his resilience paid off. 

Under 5 minutes later, Wissa was once again able to turn away from over four Liverpool players and charge into the final third, finding Joe Willock, who placed the ball into the back of the net. Defensively, there had been no midfield presence; even though players tracked back, they were torn apart easily. It’s been a field day going forward for Newcastle.

Munoz showed some promise coming off the bench, and despite Lewis Hall being almost immovable on the left-hand side, he grew into the game and forced Hall to slip up and foul him in the dying stages of the match. Szoboszlai smashed the ball home into the roof of the net, calmly salvaging a point at the last kick of the game.

Match Verdict

There’s a heavy lack of synergy within the team; players don’t seem to be on the same page, and this shows with poorly weighted passes and overhit crosses. A lot of overcomplication in attack, as if the players are overthinking. It’s very early in Iraola’s tenure at the club, but currently the squad is a team of individuals, and that has held us back all game.

There's a lot of work to do for Liverpool, and attacking reinforcements might be needed before the end of the transfer window, but the talent and potential are apparent. The players fought till the end, and this desire is a sign of hope for all fans to latch onto. This wasn’t the ideal result, but winning ways will surely come sooner rather than later. 

Player Ratings

Alisson - 5

Kerkez - 4

Van Dijk - 6

Jacquet - 5

Frimpong - 4

Gravenberch - 6

Szoboz - 7

Ngumoha - 6

Gakpo - 7

Wirtz - 6

Isak - 5

Munoz - 7

Araujo - 7

Koumas - 6

Mac Allister - 6