EPL: Late Szoboszlai penalty earns Liverpool 2-2 draw against Newcastle

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Liverpool rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty with virtually the last kick of the game on Saturday.

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Newcastle appeared to be heading for victory after goals from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, while Cody Gakpo had briefly brought Liverpool level in the second half.

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The hosts made a bright start as Elanga opened the scoring after being played through by William Osula. The forward kept his composure to send a neat finish into the far corner for his first goal for Newcastle.

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Liverpool responded after the break, with Gakpo producing an accurate strike from distance that found the back of the net and restored parity.

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But the visitors were level for only two minutes before Newcastle regained the lead. Substitute Willock found space and fired a clinical effort into the bottom corner to put the hosts ahead once again.

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Newcastle looked set to hold on for a memorable opening-day victory under new manager Matthias Jaissle, but Liverpool were handed a late opportunity when Lewis Hall brought down Victor Munoz inside the penalty area.

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Szoboszlai stepped up and showed no sign of nerves, smashing the penalty into the roof of the net to secure a point for Liverpool.

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The dramatic finale capped an emotional occasion at St James’ Park, where supporters of both clubs paid tribute to former Newcastle great Kevin Keegan, who died last month aged 75.

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A large “King Kev” tifo featuring images of Keegan was displayed in the stands, while a moving mosaic of shirts left outside the stadium following news of his death was presented in the centre circle before kick-off.

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After a minute’s applause, Newcastle looked on course for a dream start, but Liverpool’s late fightback ensured the points were shared in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

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