Coach Andoni Iraola has had nearly two months of preparation for his new job at Liverpool. However, the 2-2 draw against Newcastle is the clearest test for what is waiting for him at Anfield.
This is an emotional match, true to tradition every time Liverpool faces Newcastle. The home team can be satisfied with their fighting spirit on their Premier League debut under Matthias Jaissle. Liverpool is different. Dominik Szoboszlai's penalty in the 90+9 minute helped them avoid defeat, but could not cover up a series of unresolved problems.
The attack lacks connectivity, the midfield is easily exploited and the squad depth has not yet met the requirements. When the transfer window is only more than a week away, Iraola is facing the problem of having to add forces in many positions.
Newcastle entered the game excitedly and quickly took the lead in the 5th minute. Ryan Gravenberch lost the ball right near the penalty area, opening up an opportunity for William Osula to assist Anthony Elanga to finish coldly.
Liverpool controlled the ball more but did not create enough pressure. Cody Gakpo had to wait until the beginning of the second half to bring the match back to balance with a dangerous long-range shot.
The away team's joy only lasted 157 seconds. Joe Willock, who just came on as a substitute, immediately created a difference with a beautiful finish, putting Newcastle ahead 2-1.
The Kop then put all their strength into finding an equalizer. Newcastle resisted stubbornly and seemed to have preserved the victory until the last seconds. In the 90+9 minute, Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz in the penalty area. Szoboszlai stepped up to the penalty spot and made no mistake, bringing 1 point for Liverpool.
Alexander Isak had another difficult day in his first return to St James' Park since leaving Newcastle. The Swedish striker received boos from the stands and almost left no mark on Liverpool's attack. The shot over the bar in the second half was one of his few notable situations.
Conversely, Gakpo took advantage of the opportunity given. In the context that Liverpool is still pursuing Bradley Barcola, the Dutch striker's performance is a reminder that the "Reds" should not rush to part ways with him.
Iraola admitted that the problem in midfield cannot be blamed on an individual. Gravenberch tends to push high, but when losing the ball, Liverpool lacks the ability to react and does not have enough players to stop Newcastle's counter-attacks.
That is also how Newcastle scored both goals. Liverpool had a similar problem last season and the match at St James' Park showed that this disease has not been cured.
However, Liverpool still had bright spots. Ronald Araujo played well after entering the field, while Victor Munoz made his mark in his first Premier League appearance by earning a decisive penalty.
The spirit of not giving up is also a noteworthy point. Liverpool continues to maintain the ability to create decisive moments at the end of the match, but Iraola will not be able to expect such escapes throughout the season.
The transfer window still has time for Liverpool to strengthen their forces. The two wings are considered a priority, but the draw with Newcastle raises another requirement: the midfield needs to be more solid and the squad must have enough depth to compete on many fronts.
Liverpool has avoided a defeat, but Iraola cannot avoid big questions.
