Newcastle vs Liverpool ended in a 2 to 2 draw at St James’ Park on the opening weekend of the 2026 to 27 Premier League season, after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage time penalty to salvage a point for Liverpool.
Both clubs paid tribute to former England forward Kevin Keegan before kickoff, and the match doubled as the Premier League managerial debuts for Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle and Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola, the clubs said.
Newcastle took the lead inside five minutes when winger Anthony Elanga finished a quick attack to put the hosts ahead, the Premier League match report said. Liverpool responded by taking control of possession and pressing for an equalizer.
Early in the second half, in the 54th minute, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo struck from outside the box to level the score at 1 to 1. Two minutes later, substitute Joe Willock restored Newcastle’s lead with a long range strike that gave the home side a 2 to 1 advantage.
With victory seeming likely for the hosts, Newcastle conceded a penalty deep into stoppage time after defender Lewis Hall was penalized for a challenge inside the box on Liverpool substitute Víctor Muñoz. After a video assistant referee review, the referee awarded a penalty, the Premier League said.
Szoboszlai, who had faced jeers from the home crowd, stepped up and converted from the spot to make the score 2 to 2, securing a valuable point for Liverpool in the opening fixture. The Newcastle vs Liverpool match finished level at 2 to 2, with both sides earning one point.
Newcastle vs Liverpool: late penalty forces 2 to 2 draw
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle praised his team for their attacking intent but acknowledged the disappointment of conceding late. “We wanted to start the season with a win, and the players gave everything,” Jaissle said after the match.
Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola said he was pleased with the reaction after going behind and highlighted the composure Szoboszlai showed from the penalty spot. “To get a point away from home in a tough atmosphere is important,” Iraola said at his postmatch press conference.
Other opening day results
Defending champions Arsenal opened their title defense with a 3 to 0 home win over newly promoted Coventry City, extending the club’s potent attacking form. Arsenal struck early and added two more goals to close out a comfortable victory, the club said.
Newly installed Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca also enjoyed a winning start, as City overturned an early deficit to beat AFC Bournemouth 2 to 1. Goals from defenders Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol in the closing stages completed the comeback, according to the match report.
By contrast, Manchester United suffered a shock 0 to 2 defeat away to newly promoted Hull City, with United’s defense breached twice and the visitors leaving the opening day with no points. The result leaves United to regroup ahead of next weekend’s fixtures, the club said.
Sunday’s slate of matches will offer more early season answers, as teams adjust to new managers and fresh squad arrivals across the league.