Newcastle United's new manager Matthias Jaissle was left to rue what might have been after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw for Liverpool at St James' Park — denying Jaissle a winning start to his Premier League reign.

Newcastle's bright opening

Yoane Wissa was the standout performer in black and white, thriving in the number 10 role Jaissle handed him. Sharp and aggressive throughout, Wissa carried the ball superbly to lay on Joe Willock's goal that gave Newcastle a 2-1 lead. He earned the highest rating of any player on the night.

Anthony Elanga opened the scoring with a composed finish into the bottom corner — redemption of sorts after a missed chance on opening day last season against Aston Villa. William Osula drove the initial breakaway and showed good awareness to release Elanga at the right moment before departing with a knock.

Debutant Lukas Hornicek handled the Premier League occasion with assurance, producing a fine flying save to deny Florian Wirtz in the first half and pushing away a header after the interval. Amar Dedic, only days after completing a £30 million move from Benfica, also impressed with a crucial defensive intervention.

Liverpool's fight back

Cody Gakpo rescued Liverpool with a brilliant strike for their first equaliser, capping a performance that served as a timely reminder of his quality amid speculation over his future. Ryan Gravenberch made his 100th Premier League appearance and contributed the assist for Gakpo's goal, though his earlier misplaced pass had directly led to Newcastle's opener.

Szoboszlai was below his usual standards for much of the match but held his nerve to send the penalty straight and secure the point in the dying moments, after Lewis Hall was judged to have fouled substitute Victor Munoz in the area.

Alexander Isak, playing at St James' Park for the first time since his £125 million transfer to Liverpool last summer, was met with sustained booing from the home support. He looked fired up but failed to make an impact, spurning a clear chance when Newcastle led 2-1. Florian Wirtz also struggled to impose himself and was withdrawn just past the hour mark.

Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez struggle

Liverpool's full-backs endured a difficult afternoon. Jeremie Frimpong offered little in the way of delivery going forward and earned a booking for tripping Harvey Barnes. Milos Kerkez was caught out for Elanga's opener and also picked up a yellow card. New signing Jeremy Jacquet showed composure on the ball and decent passing range, though he was replaced late on by Ronald Araujo.

Substitute Victor Munoz caught the eye after coming on for the hour mark — his sharpness won the stoppage-time penalty that ultimately earned Liverpool a share of the spoils on what was, in the end, a dramatic opening weekend in the Premier League.