Szoboszlai 99th-minute penalty earns Liverpool 2-2 draw at St James' Park as Wissa impresses

On 23 August 2026 at St James' Park, Dominik Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty to salvage a 2-2 Premier League draw for Liverpool against Newcastle United.

The result denied Newcastle's new manager Matthias Jaissle victory in his first Premier League match in charge and produced a range of player ratings from BBC Sport's writers and users; Alexander Isak had left Newcastle for Liverpool early last season and made his first return to St James' Park since his £125m move last summer.

Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek received a 7 for a solid debut performance, including a flying first-half save from Florian Wirtz and a second-half stop from Alexander Isak's header, with calm possession play noted. Amar Dedic was also rated 7 after a crucial intervention to prevent a Ryan Gravenberch pass reaching Cody Gakpo, while Malick Thiaw wore the captain's armband and earned a 7 for his battling display and forward-looking passes.

Sven Botman was given a 6; he made a significant block to deny Gakpo but was among those who backed off for that goal. Left-back Lewis Hall was rated 6 after conceding the stoppage-time penalty following a coming together with Victor Munoz, and Lewis Miley received a 7 despite having only one half of pre-season action as he continued his recovery from a broken leg.

In attack Yoane Wissa, deployed at number 10, was Newcastle's top-rated starter with an 8 for carrying the ball superbly to set up Joe Willock's goal; Anthony Elanga scored the opener and was rated 7. William Osula, rated 7, led the breakaway in the build-up to the first goal and delivered the weighted pass to release Elanga, later withdrawing with a knock.

Substitute Joe Willock, introduced on 55 minutes for Osula, had a major impact and was rated 7 for his finish, while Jacob Ramsey (on 55 for Steur) was rated 6. Aladji Bamba (on 75 for Miley) and Jacob Murphy (on 75 for Elanga) were both given 6s; Fabian Schär came on at 90+5 for Wissa. Newcastle did not use Jaouen, Shahar, Toure or Woltemade.

For Liverpool, goalkeeper Alisson was rated 5 with commentators saying he arguably could have been better positioned for Elanga's goal but could not keep out Willock's strike. Jeremie Frimpong received a 4 for a poor display at right-back, including a booking for tripping Harvey Barnes, while Jeremy Jacquet was awarded a 6 for an encouraging start and passing range.

Virgil van Dijk was given a 6 and was noted in relation to the first goal and Newcastle's second; Milos Kerkez was rated 4 after struggling to keep up with Elanga and picking up a first-half booking. Dominik Szoboszlai, rated 7, was described as having been caught out of position for Newcastle's counter earlier in the match but then took the injury-time penalty brilliantly.

Ryan Gravenberch made his 100th Premier League appearance, was rated 6 and provided the assist for Cody Gakpo; Gakpo earned an 8 for his brilliant strike that gave Liverpool an earlier equaliser. Florian Wirtz was rated 6 and was denied by Hornicek's save in the first half; Rio Ngumoha, rated 5, was replaced just after the hour. Alexander Isak was rated 5, was booed on his first return to St James' Park since his move and missed a notable chance.

Victor Munoz, introduced on 63 for Ngumoha, was rated 7 after winning the decisive penalty; Alexis Mac Allister (on 63) received a 5, Ronald Araujo (on 70) a 6 and Lewis Koumas (on 78) a 5. Liverpool's unused substitutes included Mamardashvili, Endo, Tsimikas, Nyoni and McConnell.

After the opportunity to rate players closed, the scores displayed represent the average from all submissions by BBC Sport users.