Liverpool participant scores vs Newcastle: Isak bullied once more as 4/10s wrestle in draw
Liverpool were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Newcastle in Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League game in charge while Alexander Isak failed to have a good game again
Alexander Isak was bullied again(Image: Getty)
Liverpool salvaged a point in Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League outing as boss when Dominik Szoboszlai netted a late spot-kick to secure a draw against Newcastle.
It was a dismal display from the Merseyside outfit, who were fortunate not to lose and found themselves outplayed for significant spells of the match. They fell behind early on when Anthony Elanga struck on the break to hand Newcastle the advantage.
The visitors endured a sluggish first half, struggling to fashion openings and lacking composure in the final third. The encounter livened up after the break, with Liverpool drawing level through Cody Gakpo’s long-range effort that nestled in the bottom corner.
Dominik Szoboszlai rescued Liverpool a late draw(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA, Getty Images)
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Yet parity lasted just three minutes before Newcastle regained their lead via substitute Joe Willock. Liverpool were thrown a lifeline when Lewis Hall brought down Victor Munoz in the box, and Szoboszlai stepped up to convert the penalty and earn a dramatic point with practically the final touch of the match. The Daily Star Sport rates and slates the Reds players after today’s stalemate.
Alisson Becker – 5 – His positioning wasn’t ideal for the early goal, though he had little chance of denying Willock’s strike. Far from his most assured performance. Made a hash of several crosses he should have claimed comfortably.
Jeremie Frimpong – 4 – Failed to make his mark at either end of the pitch. Wayward deliveries spoiled a handful of promising attacking situations. Picked up a yellow card for fouling Harvey Barnes before half-time.
Jeremy Jacquet – 6 – Found himself under pressure defensively at times, particularly early on, but showed encouraging signs in possession with some neat distribution.
Virgil van Dijk – 5 – Kept things straightforward at the back and appeared confident in his choices. The same couldn’t be said for numerous colleagues around him. Backed away from making a challenge in the build-up to both goals
Milos Kerkez – 4 – Left trailing by Elanga for the opener and picked up a yellow card for impeding the winger before the interval. Offered little threat in attack as well, and failed to raise his performance levels as the match progressed.
Ryan Gravenberch – 4 – Hesitation in possession and poor positioning contributed to Elanga’s first goal. Should have done better to prevent Wissa in the lead-up to the second strike. Below par.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5 – Appeared somewhat adrift at times, as though uncertain of his role on the pitch. Advanced too far forward for both Newcastle strikes, leaving colleagues vulnerable. Converted confidently from twelve yards but endured a disappointing evening overall.
Florian Wirtz – 5 – Started brightly, threading some decent balls through and showing willingness to test the keeper, but lacked a final product and faded as proceedings wore on.
Rio Ngumoha – 4 – Failed to spark much creativity in an unremarkable showing, though his colleagues were equally culpable. Largely invisible and found it difficult to influence proceedings.
Cody Gakpo – 7 – Grafted tirelessly without the ball to spearhead the high press and demonstrated moments of class before netting a superb leveller from distance.
Alexander Isak – 3 – Continuously jeered with virtually every touch of the ball. Starved of decent service for much of the contest but could have grafted harder to influence proceedings. An afternoon to erase from memory for the former Newcastle striker.
Substitutes:
Alexis Mac Allister – 5 – Entered the fray in place of Wirtz during the second period. Failed to contribute much beyond straightforward distribution.
Victor Munoz – 6 – Brought on for the final half-hour, taking over from Ngumoha. Earned the spot-kick that resulted in the leveller and appeared sharp throughout his cameo.
Ronald Araujo – 6 – Slotted into the defensive line for the concluding 20 minutes, coming on for Jacquet. Delivered some quality distribution as Liverpool hunted for an equaliser.
Lewis Koumas – 6 – Given an opportunity in the dying moments, replacing Gravenberch. Put in a solid shift and managed to secure a late corner, though it yielded nothing.
