Liverpool Salvage a Point at St James' Park as Away-Day Frailties Raise Title Concerns

In the Premier League opener at St James' Park on Sunday, Liverpool snatched a point in a 2-2 draw away at Newcastle United thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty. For Andoni Iraola's Reds, this draw was arguably a lucky escape — apart from a brief eight-minute spell, they spent the entire game in the uncomfortable position of playing catch-up.

Despite the team's overall underwhelming performance, the new manager still found positives from the match, particularly the impact of the substitutes he brought on, describing the changes as "injecting fresh energy into the team." However, if Liverpool are to make an impact in the new season, several key players clearly need far more convincing performances. The authoritative media subsequently rated and reviewed every Liverpool player who featured in this dramatic season opener.

Andoni Iraola, 5 — Judging a manager after just one competitive match would clearly be unfair, but Reds supporters are bound to have mixed feelings after watching last season's defensive frailties resurface. Both Newcastle goals came from rapid counter-attacks, and the first concession in particular looked all too familiar: Szoboszlai and Gravenberch both pushed high up the pitch, almost exactly mirroring the scene when Anthony Semenyo scored in last season's opening round at Anfield.

Goalkeeper: Alisson, 5 — He was noticeably out of position for Anthony Elanga's opening goal, failing to cover his near post and allowing the Swede to roll the ball into the net with ease. He was essentially helpless for Joe Willock's second. In the first half he did well to deny a dangerous effort from William Osula, but beyond that his opportunities to impress were limited.

Right-back: Jeremie Frimpong, 4 — He came off decisively second best in his ongoing battle with Harvey Barnes, and was booked in the first half after being skinned by the winger. His forward contributions were also a concern, as at least one dangerous counter-attacking opportunity was wasted by a poor cross. Despite progress in pre-season friendlies, this was undoubtedly a disappointing display.

Centre-back: Jérémy Jacquet, 6 — He repeatedly delivered accurate long balls into midfield, a means of initiating attacks that Liverpool sorely lacked last season. However, when Osula had the chance that forced Alisson into a save, Jacquet was nearly caught out by an error, but fortunately the goalkeeper bailed him out.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk, 6 — He again showed his customary physical dominance, using his strength to muscle attackers off the ball, but against an in-form Osula, his defensive authority did not quite reach the level Liverpool supporters have come to expect.

Left-back: Milos Kerkez, 5 — For the early concession, he was beaten by Elanga's sheer pace, though virtually any left-back in the Premier League would have struggled in that situation. He did show an eager desire to get forward, but wasted a golden crossing opportunity when Alexander Isak was completely unmarked at the far post.

Central midfielder: Ryan Gravenberch, 5 — In the first half he showed plenty of his ability to carry the ball forward, but in the build-up to Newcastle's opening goal he had the option to shoot and instead made a poor pass that left the defence directly exposed to the counter-attack, though it was not entirely his fault. As the game wore on, his influence faded.

Central midfielder: Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 — Aside from his coolly converted penalty, the Hungarian international's overall display was far from ideal. Newcastle repeatedly broke through the central areas with ease, most typified by the first goal when Szoboszlai and Gravenberch both pushed forward while he should have stayed back to screen the defence. His usually reliable free-kick delivery was also well off the mark.

Attacking midfielder: Florian Wirtz, 5 — Liverpool's most lively attacking player in the first half, the German came close to levelling the score with a shot that Lukas Hornicek did brilliantly to keep out. However, he faded noticeably after the interval and produced little of note before being substituted just after the hour mark.

Right winger: Rio Ngumoha, 4 — From the start until he was substituted along with Wirtz, his performance was consistently nondescript. He showed a strong desire to take on his man, but Lewis Hall nearly always anticipated his preference for cutting onto his stronger right foot and going down the outside. His few attempts to cut inside with his left foot also came to nothing. On this evidence, he is clearly some way short of what is required from a competent right winger.

Left winger: Cody Gakpo, 7 — Liverpool's most eye-catching player in attack, especially after the interval. His trademark curler drifted just over the crossbar, which may have left some fans rueing the miss, but he was the player most likely to get Liverpool level — and he proved it by drilling a low shot from distance into the net. After the goal, though, he went quiet again.

Centre-forward: Alexander Isak, 5 — He played the entire match under a chorus of boos, and he certainly gave the St James' Park faithful plenty of reasons to revel in his struggles. When he drifted out to the right flank, he showed some useful touches, but overall he struggled to truly get into the rhythm of the game and blazed his only genuine opportunity over the bar.

Central midfielder: Alexis Mac Allister (on for Wirtz, 63rd minute), 3 — Is this the Mac Allister we know? After a dismal 2025-26 season, Liverpool fans hoped to see a rejuvenated No.10, but based on this display they may have to keep waiting. His only memorable involvement was a string of jaw-dropping misplaced passes.

Right winger: Victor Muñoz (on for Ngumoha, 63rd minute), 7 — He made an extremely compelling case for a starting berth against Nottingham Forest next weekend. Perhaps aided by fresher legs, but he showed the creativity and raw burst of pace that Ngumoha had lacked on Sunday. His driving runs through midfield into the box — most notably the one that won the penalty — genuinely changed the course of the game for Liverpool, even if some of his decision-making still looked a little raw.

Centre-back: Ronald Araújo (on for Jacquet, 70th minute), 6 — Given that Liverpool were pushing men forward heavily by the time he came on, it is not easy to assess his display accurately. He produced one fine headed clearance to break up a Newcastle attack, but also played a sideways pass straight out of play.

Attacking midfielder: Lewis Koumas (on for Gravenberch, 78th minute), not rated — It was somewhat surprising that he was called upon ahead of Harvey Elliott, but he did not look out of place.