Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool: Wissa shines, Szoboszlai seals draw

Match Overview

Newcastle United and Liverpool drew 2-2 at St James' Park on 24 August 2023, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a 99th-minute penalty to secure the point. Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock gave the hosts a 1-0 lead, while Cody Gakpo equalised for the visitors. The match was rated by Daily Mail Sport's Lewis Steele, who highlighted the performances of several key players.

Key Moments

• 1st minute: Anthony Elanga’s quick run and composed finish gave Newcastle the opening goal.
• 56th minute: Joe Willock, on substitute, added a second for Newcastle.
• 73rd minute: Cody Gakpo struck from 12 yards to level the score.
• 99th minute: Dominik Szoboszlai converted a penalty to secure the draw for Liverpool.

The game was characterised by hostile crowds and a tense atmosphere, with both teams fighting for control. Newcastle’s early dominance was offset by Liverpool’s resilience, culminating in the last-minute penalty.

Player Ratings

Newcastle (4-2-3-1)

• Lukas Hornicek - 7: Started strong, denied Wirtz and Isak.
• Amar Dedic - 7: Held his own against Gakpo and Kerkez.
• Malick Thiaw - 7: Contained Isak effectively.
• Sven Botman - 7: Blocked a late Munoz shot.
• Lewis Hall - 6: Excellent until a late foul gave Liverpool a penalty.
• Sean Steur - 6.5: Debutant, slow on Gakpo but won midfield battle.
• Lewis Miley - 7: Impressive after loss of Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton.
• Anthony Elanga - 7.5: Fast, composed finish for first goal.
• Yoane Wissa - 8.5: Unplayable at times, best performance in a Newcastle shirt.
• Harvey Barnes - 7: Worked hard off the ball.
• Will Osula - 7.5: Stellar assist for opening goal.
• Substitutes: Jacob Ramsey (7.5), Joe Willock (7.5), Jacob Murphy, Aladji Bamba, Fabian Schar.
• Manager: Matthias Jaissle - 7.5: Tactics and substitutions spot on, but Hall’s penalty cost.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

• Alisson - 7: Mixed positioning but made key saves.
• Jeremie Frimpong - 5: Limited forward contribution.
• Jeremy Jacquet - 6: Good passing, could have used Araujo.
• Virgil van Dijk - 5: Slow, struggled with Newcastle’s behind-the-back passes.
• Milos Kerkez - 6: Outpaced for opener, criticised by Isak.
• Dominik Szoboszlai - 7: Penalty to level the score.
• Ryan Gravenberch - 5: Runs left Liverpool exposed.
• Rio Ngumoha - 6: More effective on left, ineffective on right.
• Florian Wirtz - 4: Anonymous performance, tipped by Hornicek.
• Cody Gakpo - 7: Stunning equaliser, linked with Tottenham.
• Alexander Isak - 4: Poor final balls, booed by fans.
• Substitutes: Alexis Mac Allister (6), Victor Munoz (6), Ronald Araujo (6), Lewis Koumas (6).
• Manager: Andoni Iraola - 6: Needs new signings to realise ambitions.
• Referee: Stuart Attwell - 6: Trigger-happy early, but made key decisions.

The match showcased Newcastle’s early promise and Liverpool’s late fightback, with both teams leaving the pitch with a point each.