Liverpool may not need to panic after a draw, especially when most competitors also have an unconvincing start. However, the performance at Newcastle raises issues that once caused them difficulties last season.
The most worrying thing is the ability to counter-attack. Liverpool let Newcastle exploit the space behind the midfield and defense. Both conceded goals showed that coach Andoni Iraola's team had not handled situations of changing state well.
This is also a problem Liverpool has encountered many times in the previous season. They often let opponents create opportunities from quick counter-attacks. After entering the new season, this weakness has not been overcome.
Another problem lies in the defensive midfielder position. Liverpool has been lacking a player specializing in this position since Fabinho left in 2023. Even when they won the Premier League under coach Arne Slot, the need to add a defensive midfielder was still mentioned.
However, The Kop still does not prioritize this position in the transfer market. They focus on other areas, while the midfield lacks a player capable of shielding the defense.
Gravenberch often pushes high to support the attack, while Szoboszlai also performs better in the high position. This makes Liverpool lack a solid enough protective layer in front of the defense whenever they lose the ball. When the pressing system does not work perfectly, the opponent can quickly put the ball into the central space.
Iraola believes the problem is not in an individual. He asked the players to compete more fiercely and actively prevent counter-attacks from the start.
Liverpool's defense has also not shown certainty. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have not had a good performance. Virgil van Dijk, at the age of 35, is also no longer maintaining his peak form.
In attack, Alexander Isak has not created much danger in his first full-time match since joining Liverpool. Florian Wirtz showed good technique but has not created much difference.
However, Liverpool still has points worth noting. They were led by Newcastle twice but both found an equalizer. Dominik Szoboszlai's goal in the final minutes helped the away team leave St James' Park with one point.
Iraola also needs more time to build the team according to his ideas. However, old problems still need to be resolved. Liverpool spent about 410 million pounds on 6 of last summer's most expensive signings, but Hugo Ekitike is one of the few highly rated players. This striker is currently sidelined for a long time due to an Achilles tendon injury.
The draw with Newcastle is therefore not a disaster, but it is a reminder that Liverpool still has a lot of work to do. If they do not improve their defense and counter-attack ability, their championship ambition will face many obstacles.
