Newcastle United secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool at St. James’ Park, according to match reports from the fixture played on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Dominik Szoboszlai converted a late penalty kick in stoppage time to rescue a point for the visitors after Newcastle led for the vast majority of the match through goals from Anthony Elanga and substitute Joe Willock.
Early Breakthrough for The Magpies
Newcastle capitalized on a fast start when Anthony Elanga opened the scoring within the first five minutes of the match. According to match accounts, William Osula launched a counterattack by sending a diagonal pass to Elanga on the right flank. Elanga outpaced two Liverpool defenders, surged into the penalty area, and drove a low shot toward the far post to put the home side ahead 1-0.
Liverpool attempted an immediate response. Efforts from Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo were blocked by the Newcastle defense, while Florian Wirtz forced a save from goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Newcastle maintained their defensive shape. Yoane Wissa missed an opportunity just before halftime, sending a shot wide of the Liverpool goal as the teams went into the break with Newcastle leading 1-0.
Tactical Adjustments and Second-Half Goals
Liverpool found an equalizer ten minutes after the restart. In the 55th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai combined with Ryan Gravenberch, who delivered a low pass to Cody Gakpo. Gakpo found space at the edge of the D and struck a low shot into the bottom corner past Hornicek, leveling the score at 1-1.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe introduced Joe Willock from the bench, and the substitute restored the home lead within a minute of entering the pitch. Capitalizing on another counterattack that created a three-against-seven situation, Wissa fed a low cross to the left side of the box for Willock, who finished with a left-footed strike to make it 2-1.
Pro Tip: Tracking tactical substitutions in the second half often reveals how managers aim to exploit transitional spaces, much like Newcastle did with the introduction of Joe Willock against Liverpool’s high defensive line.
Late Drama and Penalty Equalizer
Newcastle nearly extended their lead late in the match. Willock beat his marker down the right wing and sent a cross that Alisson pushed into the path of Jacob Ramsey, whose long-range effort drifted wide. Wissa also tested the Liverpool defense again, using his speed to beat Van Dijk before having his shot blocked by Alisson in a one-on-one situation.
As the match neared its conclusion, Liverpool mounted a final push. Jeremie Frimpong accelerated down the flank and crossed to Alexander Isak, whose header was gathered easily by Hornicek. However, in stoppage time, Liverpool were awarded a penalty following a foul on substitute Victor Munoz. Szoboszlai stepped up as the designated taker and fired a right-footed shot into the top corner, sealing the 2-2 final scoreline.
Match Lineups
Newcastle United: Team sheet features Lukas Hornicek, Dedic, Malik Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Anthony Elanga with Jacob Murphy on at 76 minutes, Sean Steur replaced by Jacob Ramsey at the 56th minute, Lewis Miley making way for Aladji Bamba on 76 minutes, Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa with Schaer coming on at 90+5′, and William Osula who was subbed for Joe Willock at 56 minutes
Liverpool: Starting personnel included Alisson, Milos Kerkez, Van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet replaced by Araujo in the 70th minute, Frimpong, Gravenberch with Koumas taking over at 78 minutes, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Wirtz as MacAllister entered at 63 minutes, Ngumoha with Munoz coming on at 6 minutes, alongside Isak
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Newcastle vs. Liverpool match?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw after Dominik Szoboszlai scored a late penalty for Liverpool.
Who scored the goals for Newcastle United?
Anthony Elanga and substitute Joe Willock scored the goals for Newcastle.
When did the equalizing penalty happen?
The penalty was awarded and converted in stoppage time at the end of the second half.
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