Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was pleased with the character his side showed to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on the opening day of the Premier League season. Dominik Szoboszlai's stoppage-time penalty completed the comeback after Liverpool had twice fallen behind at St James' Park.

Iraola felt Liverpool did enough over the course of the match to avoid defeat and praised the effort of his players, while acknowledging that they needed to be more decisive when opportunities presented themselves.

Securing a share of the points in the 99th minute pic.twitter.com/0Sd8xpXU73— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2026

"I don't think we deserved to lose the game and I value the effort from the players," Iraola told Sky Sports.

The new Liverpool boss also felt his side had controlled enough of the contest to create more than they ultimately managed, particularly during a first half when they repeatedly reached promising positions without finishing attacks.

A fine finish from Cody pic.twitter.com/A2Vwt6hME8— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2026

"I haven't looked at the stats, but I'm sure we will have more chances, more everything. I think we were arriving, probably in the first half, we were not finishing anything," he said.

Iraola also highlighted the impact of his substitutes, with the players coming off the bench providing Liverpool with the energy required to keep pushing until the final whistle.

"I think the players coming from the bench gave us energy. I don't know if they played better, worse, but they gave us energy," he said.

Newcastle made the perfect start when Anthony Elanga put the hosts ahead inside five minutes. Liverpool eventually found their response after the break, with Cody Gakpo drilling the equaliser in the 55th minute.

The momentum swung again almost immediately. Elanga broke forward and picked out Joe Willock, who produced a superb long-range finish to put Newcastle back in front just two minutes later.

The hosts appeared to have done enough to secure a memorable opening-day victory, but Liverpool were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time.

Liverpool debutant Victor Muoz was brought down inside the area by Lewis Hall, prompting a penalty after a VAR review. The officials confirmed there was "knee into thigh contact" and backed the on-field decision.

Szoboszlai kept his composure from 12 yards and sent the penalty home in the ninth minute of added time, denying Newcastle victory and ensuring Iraola and new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle shared the points on their league debuts.

Alexander Isak endured a quiet return to his former club, having endured an injury-disrupted first season at Liverpool after moving from Newcastle.

The match also began with an emotional tribute to Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75. Both clubs wore shirts bearing his name and No. 7 during the warm-up, while a centre-circle mosaic, tribute video and large tifo honoured the former England star who played for both sides.

3 babies killed as massive fire rips through hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati | TVK Ministers Pitch Vijay For Prime Minister; Congress Hits Back Calling It Fan Club Mode | Scorpio Horoscope Today, August 24, 2026: New matters will be favourable, deals and agreements will gain momentum | Horoscope Today: Astrological prediction August 24, 2026 for all zodiac signs | TVK Leaders Pitch Vijay For Prime Minister Post, Spark 2029 Lok Sabha Election Buzz | Political Clash Over Women Empowerment, Manusmriti Remarks and Women Reservation Bill | Capricorn Horoscope Today, August 24, 2026: Proposals will come in industry and business, will spend time at the workplace | Sagittarius Horoscope Today, August 24, 2026: Success will increase in various efforts, relationships will improve | Pisces Horoscope Today, August 24, 2026: Opportunities for Progress Will Remain on the Rise, Focus Will Be on Savings | Aquarius Horoscope Today, August 24, 2026: Increase in position and prestige, will meet officials | Woman kills husband, disembowels him, jumps off terrace as landlord catches her | Roger Federer to make special US Open return alongside fellow legends | Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad faces backlash over outfit and concept | Leo Horoscope Today, August 24, 2026: Will purchase desired item, profit percentage will increase | BJP, JDS Protest Against Karnataka Government Over Valmiki Scam; Demand Minister's Resignation