Iraola left with 'strange feeling' as Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty rescues Liverpool at Newcastle

Andoni Iraola began his Liverpool tenure without a win after Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty in the 99th minute salvaged a 2-2 draw at Newcastle on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Liverpool twice trailed at St. James’ Park. Anthony Elanga struck after just four minutes to hand Newcastle an early lead, and although Cody Gakpo equalised, the Reds were back behind within three minutes. The hosts appeared on course for a statement victory in their own new era before Szoboszlai stepped up deep into stoppage time to deny them.

Iraola, speaking after the match, acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the result. “It’s a strange feeling. Not the result we wanted but it’s true, the way we scored the goal in the end, it tastes better. Still, we would have definitely preferred the win,” he said.

The Spaniard reflected on a difficult start, noting how Newcastle’s pace and atmosphere immediately punished his side. “We started the game the worst way we knew. Newcastle away, first game of the season, the atmosphere, they have very fast players and we concede the goal. They punished us and we had to go against the result. But we didn’t give up in any moment.”

He added that Liverpool grew into the contest after the break. “We could control the game in the second half. We had better possession around their box. When we scored, it looked like we were the team going to turn the game but then they scored again.”

Iraola’s appointment follows a turbulent period for the club. Liverpool finished fifth last season under Arne Slot, who was subsequently sacked, and the new head coach also endured a difficult pre-season in which his side twice surrendered 2-0 leads to lose friendlies.

For Szoboszlai, the late goal came under his third different manager in four years at Anfield. The Hungarian midfielder pointed to team spirit as the foundation for the season ahead. “We are still getting to know each other, the whole team and coaching staff. But we have a good company together and good team spirit and that’s all that’s needed to be successful,” he said.