Liverpool rescued a point in the dying stages of a thrilling contest with Newcastle United after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a late penalty to end the match 2-2.
Emotional tributes to Kevin Keegan preceded the game with both clubs showing their respect to their former great before Anthony Elanga sent Newcastle ahead in the fifth minute.
He scored from a counterattack with a glorious finish to beat Alisson and the Reds needed a response. It came in the second half through Cody Gakpo, ably set up by Ryan Gravenberch, before rolling a pinpoint finish into the bottom corner.
But, a mere two minutes later, the hosts were back in front as a second break resulted in a goal for Joe Willock who proved crucial off the bench. Lewis Hall was brilliant throughout but brought down Victor Munoz in stoppage time and Szoboszlai rattled in the resultant penalty to salvage a point for Andoni Iraola’s Reds.
Follow all the reaction from St. James’ Park with our live blog below:
Read MoreLiverpool and Newcastle fans come together to pay stirring tribute to late Kevin Keegan
Why charged reunion with Newcastle could prove crucial for Alexander Isak after Liverpool false dawn
Curtis Jones’ Liverpool exit confirmed in €30m move to Inter
Newcastle v Liverpool live
- Newcastle drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
- 90+9' GOAL! Szoboszlai converts from the spot [NEW 2-2 LIV]
- 90+5' PENALTY! Munoz brought down in dying stages [NEW 2-1 LIV]
- 58' GOAL! Willock comes off bench to restore lead for hosts [NEW 2-1 LIV]
- 55' GOAL! Gakpo drills in equaliser for Reds [NEW 1-1 LIV]
- 5' GOAL! Elanga slots hosts in front after fine counter-attack [NEW 1-0 LIV]
- Both clubs pay tribute to Newcastle and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
18:32 , Chris WilsonLewis Hall looks dejected as he shakes hands with the Liverpool players.
It was an entertaining game for the neutral, and while Newcastle fans will be a little deflated, there’s a lot to be positive about. Micah Richards calls their performance “outstanding” on Sky.
As for Liverpool, there will be moments of worry from that game, though they fought their way back into it impressively, and with a few additions they’ll hope they can put together a great season.
We’ll bring all the reaction as it comes.
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
18:29 , Chris WilsonThe penalty was the last kick of the game! It ends level at St James’ Park.
An entertaining game for the neutral, and plenty of encouragement to take for both sides in their first game of the season.
'Why was Isak not the penalty taker?'
18:28 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
Superb penalty and yet, why was Isak not the penalty taker?
Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool (Szoboszlai, 90 +9')
18:28 , Chris Wilson90 +9 mins
GOAL!
Szoboszlai steps up, takes a short run-up and blasts a superb penalty into the top corner!
Hornicek guessed right but it had too much power on it, and Liverpool have salved a point from the jaws of defeat!
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:26 , Chris Wilson90 +7 mins
It’s been cleared by VAR, and Dominik Szoboszlai is stepping up to take!
PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL! Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:26 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!
Incredible! Liverpool have won a penalty in the last seconds!
The ball gets fired up into the area and Munoz takes on Hall. The defender gets low and lunges out to the side, bringing down the winger!
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:24 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
Liverpool have the ball and they’re launching it forward in hope...
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:22 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Gakpo threatens but he misjudges it and ends up fouling Dedic. Time is running out for the visitors!
Hornicek is in the book for delaying the goal kick.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:20 , Chris Wilson90 mins
It’s end-to-end as we approach the end of the 90!
Virgil van Dijk has gone into the book for a late challenge, just before a promising Newcastle attack broke down.
At the other end, Koumas does well to win a corner late on as we enter the first of five minutes of added time.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:18 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Lovely work from Murphy on the right as he gets away from his man and fizzes in a lovely cross, but no Newcastle forwards had taken a gamble on it!
They’d have had a tap-in!
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:17 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Liverpool are still threatening, though Kerkez is the latest to be shepherded off the ball in the Newcastle box.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:16 , Chris Wilson86 mins
CHANCE! Another great chance for Wissa, who’s sent clean through.
He races towards goal but takes one too many touches before firing a shot straight at Alisson, who did well to close down the space.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:14 , Chris Wilson83 mins
The visitors enjoy a little spell of possession, which ends with Frimpong getting away down the right before Isak heads a tame header at the ‘keeper.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:11 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Liverpool enjoyed a period of dominance briefly but they’re struggling to string together attacks at the moment, with the hosts looking the more dangerous of the two teams,
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:09 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Another booking for Newcastle as Murphy clips Mac Allister near on the edge of the area.
Szoboszlai lines it up again but it comes off the wall before Araujo drags down Barnes in the box.
Should Isak still be on the pitch?
18:08 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
Ryan Gravenberch goes off for Lewis Koumas. There is a logic to keeping Isak on, in case a chance falls his way, but based on his performance today, there is an argument that if anyone went off, it should be him.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:07 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Wissa is almost sent through but his touch lets him down. Admittedly it was a difficult ball in.
Liverpool want a penalty at the other end but the hand was in a natural position!
Liverpool bring on Lewis Koumas for Gravenberch.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:05 , Chris Wilson75 mins
More great play from Wissa, who does well to win a free-kick in a dangerous area this time.
Newcastle bring on Jacob Murphy and Aladji Bamba for Miley and Elanga.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:02 , Chris Wilson73 mins
A chance for Liverpool as they work it wide to Kerkez. He’s in plenty of space as he looks to pick out Isak near the far post but it’s a poor ball, and it flies out for a goal kick.
'History of late goals'
18:01 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
This is a fixture with a history of late goals, so it is far from certain Newcastle will win. But even if they don't, there have been some terrific performances in black and white today. Dedic has shown promise on his debut. Wissa has been outstanding. Lewis Hall has been good, too, and if Elanga can be erratic, he is electric.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
18:00 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Liverpool bring on Ronald Araujo for Jacquet.
Willock does brilliantly to skip past two players on the wing before clipping a ball towards the back post, where Ramsey drills it wide.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
17:57 , Chris Wilson68 mins
And now a chance for the hosts, with Hall sent away down the left. He plays a superb cross into the area between Alisson and his defenders, but Wissa can’t make contact!
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
17:56 , Chris Wilson66 mins
An opening for Liverpool as Gakpo is played into space. He drives into the box but tries to move it onto his right foot and eventually loses out.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
17:55 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Liverpool win a free-kick in a dangerous area. Szoboszlai’s delivery is a good one but it bounces off a teammate and into the grateful grasp of Hornicek.
'Damning that Wirtz is taken off with Liverpool behind'
17:55 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
In its own way, it is quite damning that Florian Wirtz is taken off with Liverpool behind. Iraola is preferring to move Szoboszlai into the role behind Isak and bring on a central midfielder, in Mac Allister.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
17:54 , Chris Wilson63 mins
There have been subs for both sides.
Liverpool bring off Ngumoha and Wirtz for Alexis Mc Allister and Victor Munoz, while Newcastle have taken off Steur for Ramsey.
Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool
17:49 , Chris Wilson60 mins
What a game this is turning out to be. Liverpool are back in the ascendancy as they hunt another equaliser, but Gakpo fires well over from distance.
GOAL! Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool (Willock, 58')
17:48 , Chris Wilson58 mins
GOAL! Newcastle are back ahead!
It’s another wonderful goal on the counter too, with Wissa skipping past a challenge near halfway before driving forward.
He’s only got Willock in support and he slides it into his path, with the midfielder taking a superb second touch before curling a lovely effort into the far corner for 2-1!
Newcastle 1-1 Liverpool
17:46 , Chris Wilson57 mins
Liverpool are pressing for another right away, with Newcastle a little worried as Gakpo narrowly avoids getting another shot away after some pinball in the box.
'Encouraging sign for Gakpo'
17:45 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
Gakpo was one of last season's great underachievers for Liverpool, his goals halving to nine. A first of the season is an encouraging sign.
Newcastle 1-1 Liverpool (Gakpo, 55')
17:45 , Chris Wilson54 mins
GOAL! Liverpool are back into it thanks to a brilliant long-range effort from Gakpo!
He picks the ball up near the edge of the area and the space opens up in front of him. He’s not closed down and decides to rifle a low effort, and it flies into the bottom corner past Hornicek!
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:42 , Chris Wilson51 mins
It’s similar to the first half at the moment, with neither side able to get any rhythm.
Gakpo goes pretty close from range, arching a lovely effort just over the bar at the far post.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:37 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Newcastle have threatened early on, with a counter from an early corner seeing a chance missed before Wissa’s through ball to Elanga is slightly overhit.
Promising for the hosts though!
Osula stays on
17:35 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkNo changes at half-time, though it looked like Osula was struggling with an ankle problem before the break.
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 1-0 Newcastle
17:34 , Chris WilsonBack underway at St James’ Park!
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:33 , Chris WilsonIt’s been an intriguing game at St James’ Park, with Newcastle threatening on the counter and Liverpool looking a little toothless in attack so far.
The visitors need it to click in attack, but of course that could come at any time with players like Isak on the pitch.
As for Newcastle, you’d imagine it’ll be more of the same as they look for a huge three points to start off the season.
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:29 , Chris Wilson“Liverpool have been below in the attacking part of their game, they have lacked quality,” says Gary Neville on comms at half-time. He’s not wrong so far.
“Liverpool are a great team going forward with numbers but they have no discipline,” says Micah Richards on Sky at the break.
"Their three central midfielders [offered] no protection for the centre-halves. They needed protection in front of them.”
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:25 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:20 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the first half to an end and it’s been a good showing from Newcastle so far.
They’ve done well to keep Liverpool at bay, but in truth the Reds haven’t shown nearly enough in attack.
Matthias Jaissle will be very pleased with what he’s seen, though Andoni Iraola won’t.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:18 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just one minute of added time at the end of the half as Dedic heads away a free-kick before Botman is fouled in the Newcastle box.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:17 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Another threatening move from Newcastle, but the ball in towards Wissa has too much on it.
Not a lot of clear-cut chances for either side over the last 20 minutes or so, and the hosts certainly look happy to go into the break with just the one-goal lead.
'Isak not playing like a £125m striker should'
17:14 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
Liverpool have had plenty of territorial pressure in this half but not enough of a real threat, whether in terms of creativity or efforts on goal. They could do with a £125m striker playing like a £125m striker should.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:14 , Chris Wilson40 mins
It’s a big five minutes for Newcastle now, with the hosts hoping to go into the break ahead.
They’ve managed to keep Liverpool at bay so far, and they’ve taken the sting out of the visiting attack in the last few minutes too.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:11 , Chris Wilson38 mins
A couple of corners cause problems for Newcastle but they get away with itfor now. Liverpool are beginning to turn the screw though.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:09 , Chris Wilson36 mins
William Osula is struggling at the moment, and he looks like he’s got a knock. Nick Woltemade is warming up.
Miley attempts to slide a ball into area but it’s got too much on it.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:06 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Lewis Miley is the latest in the book as he concedes a free-kick in a dangerous area, but the ball in is cleared easily.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:05 , Chris Wilson33 mins
A poor pass in their own half from Newcastle hands Liverpool the initiative, but Wirtz loses out and it’s a goal kick.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:03 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Osula strikes the free-kick but it comes back off the wall, and he wins a free-kick from the shot on the rebound.
'Early Iraola warning sign'
17:03 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
“Liverpool's two full-backs have been booked within a minute. Neither has started well. An early warning sign for both the game and the Iraola reign.”
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:03 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Both Kerkez and Frimpong have been booked in the last couple of minutes, the first for dragging back Elanga and the second for Barnes.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
17:01 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Kerkez is the latest to have a go from distance, but it’s straight at Hornicek.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:59 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Liverpool win a free-kick and it’s just about within range for Szoboszlai, but his effort comes back off the wall.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:58 , Chris Wilson25 mins
CHANCE! Another great chance for Newcastle, as Wissa plays a lovely ball with the outside of his foot into the path of Osula.
The striker looks like he’s gone clean through but Alisson and Jacquet do enough to put him off.
'Will Osula looks a real threat'
16:57 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
Will Osula looks a real threat. Go back to this game last year and, with Isak on strike, Osula came off the bench to score, even if it was then overshadowed by Ngumoha's even later winner. He was one of the real pluses of Newcastle's troubled season last year. He now has the No 10 shirt Anthony Gordon vacated.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:55 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Dedic gets onto the end of a great diagonal pass and eventually wins a corner.
The ball comes into the area but it’s headed away before Newcastle are forced backwards.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:53 , Chris Wilson21 mins
It’s become quite stop-start now, which will suit Newcastle at the moment.
There’s a good tempo to the game and Liverpool are threatening, but the hosts are holding firm for now.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:51 , Chris Wilson18 mins
CLOSE! A great save from Hornicek, who manages to scoop away Wirtz’s low effort.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:48 , Chris Wilson15 mins
It’s still end-to-end at St James’ Park, with neither side having settled yet.
Both teams have been guilty of losing possession a little too easily so far.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:45 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Almost a chance for Newcastle as Alisson comes off his line to clear. The ball falls straight to Wissa but he can’t connect with his attempt to lob the ‘keeper.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:43 , Chris Wilson10 mins
More danger from Elanga as he threatens down the right, but he eventually gives away a free-kick.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool
16:41 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Liverpool have seen plenty of the ball since conceding but they haven’t been able to fashion a clear-cut chance. The final ball has been lacking a couple of times.
A free-kick is delivered towards van Dijk but his header is deflected over.
Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool (Elanga, 5')
16:40 , Chris Wilson5 mins
GOAL! Elanga has put Newcastle ahead and it’s a devastating counter!
Osula picks up the ball and starts the counter, driving through the middle before playing it into the path of Elanga.
The winger races away from Kerkez with an impressive show of pace before sliding a lovely finish across Alisson and into the far corner!
Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool
16:38 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Niether side has been able to settle into a rhythm so far, though Hall gets plenty of cheers as he dispossesses Isak in the area.
Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool
16:34 , Chris Wilson2 mins
The first opening of the game sees Wirtz played into space on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked.
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool
16:32 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at St James’ Park, with Isak kicking off to a chorus of boos!
Kick-off next
16:29 , Will CastleWow, that was something. A tribute fitting of the man.
Kick-off coming up.
Tribute to Kevin Keegan
16:28 , Will CastleThe TV cameras have picked up Alan Shearer holding up his white card as part of the mural, as St James’ Park celebrate his hero. His, and many others’.
And here come the players. Goosebumps.
Tribute to Kevin Keegan
16:26 , Will CastleThis is truly breathtaking. An incredible “Keegan 7” mural is held up by the Newcastle fans, in collaboration with the Liverpool fans above them.
Beautiful.
Tribute to Kevin Keegan
16:24 , Will Castle“I want people to dream about their football club. They should. We should all be dreamers at heart. Some people are the opposite and say ‘we can’t do that’, but when you ask them why, they can’t give a reason. Well, I say, ‘Why not?’”
A powerful quote from Kevin Keegan is shown on a banner by Newcastle fans.
Jaissle: 'We're in a transition phase'
16:23 , Chris Wilson“We're in a transition phase, it's a huge challenge at the moment,” says Matthias Jaissle ahead of kick-off.
“We joined quite late in pre-season, there will hopefully be some activities in the transfer market in the next week, but we will go for it in the best possible way,” he explained.
“We're as ready as we can be, that's something we want to show the fans in the first home match,” he added.
Tribute to Kevin Keegan
16:22 , Will CastleA banner reading “LEGEND” is laid out over the centre-circle as the pre-match celebration of Kevin Keegan’s life nears its beginning.
“There’s going to be plenty of tears in the next 10 minutes,” says Mark Chapman on Sky Sports.
Final preparations
16:20 , Will CastleKick-off in 10 minutes...
Alan Shearer predicts draw on 'emotional' afternoon
16:18 , Will CastleAlan Shearer has predicted that Liverpool and Newcastle will end all square on a day that will be all about paying tribute to the great Kevin Keegan.
"It's going to be an emotional atmosphere because of the tributes to Kevin Keegan,” he told Betfair.
“I've already seen one or two bits about what the fans and both football clubs are going to be taking part in, it should be an unbelievable atmosphere beforehand, an emotional atmosphere because of what Kevin meant to both football clubs and both sets of fans. So, I'm going to go draw."
Players wear 'Keegan 7' shirts in warm-up
16:14 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkPlayers are warming up in shirts with Kevin Keegan's name on the back as both clubs celebrate the life of a man who scored plenty of goals for each.
Transfer turmoil at Anfield
16:08 , Will CastleLiverpool are entering squeaky-bum time as far as their transfer ambitions go, with the club yet to make the statement winger signing that was expected after the departure of Mohamed Salah.
PSG duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye have been the subject of intense interest from Liverpool this summer. Both were left out of the French giants’ squad to face Rennes today, encouraging news perhaps, but a move for either is still not close to being completed.
This has led Liverpool to look elsewhere, with the Reds seeing two bids for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh (who is currently injured) rejected.
The Reds also begin the season off the back of a notable departure. There will be no senior Scouser in their squad, with Curtis Jones completing a move to Inter Milan.
Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Liverpool fan abuse: ‘It hurts, but I understand’
16:02 , Will CastleAlexander Isak will be at the centre of ex-club hostility today - and a former Liverpool man will know exactly how that feels.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken candidly on his messy exit from boyhood club Liverpool last summer, admitting that he was hurt by the fan abuse that came his way.
“The booing and disappointment from Liverpool supporters is something I’m absolutely able to shoulder,” he told the Mirror. “I can understand it, in my own way.
“I heard a lot during that period that Liverpool fans didn’t want to be told how to feel or think, and I agree. But I hope one day there’ll be a degree of understanding about the decisions I wanted to make around my own life.
“It hurts because of how much I’ve put into the club over the course of 20 years and the sacrifices I made for the club during that period. So of course it hurts, but I understand the disappointment. I even understand anger expressed through booing.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Liverpool fan abuse: ‘It hurts, but I understand’
Why charged reunion with Newcastle could prove crucial for Alexander Isak after Liverpool false dawn
15:56 , Richard JollyAn August trip to St James’ Park for Liverpool and an occasion that threatened to revolve around Alexander Isak. Not just this Sunday, either. A year ago, the reigning champions’ trip to Tyneside came when the Swede was the on-strike striker, subject of a tug of war that, arguably, both Liverpool and Newcastle lost. Isak was conspicuous by his absence, meeting the United hierarchy earlier in the day, telling them he wanted to leave.
A spectacular game featured a goal by the striking signing who did prove a success for Liverpool, in Hugo Ekitike, and the player who ended the season as Newcastle’s first-choice No 9, in Will Osula. It was decided in dramatic fashion by Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old scoring in the 100th minute.
Isak had no such moment in his debut year on Merseyside. Liverpool’s £125m bought them a player whose injuries limited him to 22 appearances, whose ineffectiveness reduced him to four goals, only three in the Premier League. Newcastle squandered the record proceeds on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Isak’s first return to St James’ Park promises to be hostile – and a contrast to the tributes to Kevin Keegan, another to play for both clubs, but celebrated at each – and comes with the sense neither Liverpool nor Newcastle have recovered from a costly saga.
Why charged reunion with Newcastle could prove crucial for Alexander Isak
What the managers have said
15:50 , Chris WilsonAndoni Iraola said he is "excited" for the Premier League's return this weekend, but that his squad “are not at 100%”.
“But I am happy in the sense that I think we are at a level where we can compete, win games and still be a good team. We definitely need to improve. We will improve. We will try to do it as quickly as possible, but there are always processes,” he explained.
“I think we are in a good place, but I want us, just like the team, to improve our working relationships, connections and half-time processes because that is the best way to help the players,” he added.
What the managers have said
15:44 , Chris Wilson“It will be an amazing privilege to be the coach of Newcastle United against a top team in the league,” said Matthias Jassle on his first game in charge.
“If there's good synergy with the fans, and they will back us, I'm 100% convinced that, together with players and staff members, they can create this benefit and we want to use that,” he explained.
“The togetherness, all in together - I think that could be the biggest message and the biggest benefit for this season. At home, anything is possible,” he added regarding his team talk for today’s game.
Kevin Keegan at the heart of curtain-raiser
15:38 , Will Castle
A not-so warm welcome for Alexander Isak
15:32 , Will CastleAlexander Isak faced chants of ‘rat, rat, rat’ as he got off the Liverpool bus and entered St James’ Park.
The Reds striker of course left the Magpies in messy circumstances last summer.
Alexander Isak gets a warm welcome back to St James’ Park. “Rat rat rat.” #NUFC pic.twitter.com/SFjhJs9rtw
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) August 23, 2026
An alternative Iraola universe?
15:29 , Will CastleIn another world, Andoni Iraola would be in the Newcastle dugout this afternoon making his bow as Eddie Howe’s successor. The Spaniard was said to be targeted by the Magpies towards the end of last season.
Instead, he’s with the opposition, carrying the Liverpool torch from Arne Slot.
Can this match live up to previous years?
15:24 , Richard Jolly at St James' ParkHere’s Richard Jolly inside St James’ Park:
Richard JollyNewcastle v Liverpool was arguably the game of the Premier League season in each of the last two years. Will Andoni Iraola's Liverpool be as entertaining as Arne Slot? In general, of course, the task is to be more interesting.
Iraola parachutes Jeremy Jacquet in for a debut while Rio Ngumoha gets the chance to fill Mohamed Salah's shoes on the right wing.
The new Newcastle manager, Matthias Jassle, is without his recently appointed captain and vice-captain, Dan Burn and Joelinton. Three players are given debuts from the start in Lukas Hornicek, Amar Dedic and Sean Steuer.
Liverpool team news
15:16 , Will CastleAlexander Isak leads the line on his return to St James’ Park, preparing to assume the role of public enemy number one at his former stomping grounds.
Jeremy Jacquet also makes a debut in the centre of defence alongside captain Virgil Van Dijk, while there’s a start for young starlet Rio Ngumoha ahead of fellow new boy Victor Munoz.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
The Reds to take on Newcastle in our season opener ✊ #NEWLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 23, 2026
Newcastle team news
15:16 , Will CastleNewcastle new boy Lukas Hornicek starts in between the sticks while Amar Dedic and Sean Steur also make their Premier League debuts.
Yoane Wissa is preferred to Nick Woltemade up front.
Newcastle XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Steur, Miley; Elanga, Osula, Barnes; Wissa.
UNITED 👊 pic.twitter.com/kUpMhqDSai
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 23, 2026
Line-ups on their way
15:12 , Will CastleJust a couple minutes until team news is confirmed for both sides - we’ll bring it to you as it comes in...
Tributes to be paid to Kevin Keegan
15:11 , Will CastleSomething much greater is attached to this Premier League curtain-raiser than simply starting the season well.
This afternoon’s meeting at St James’ Park will be preceded by a undoubtedly stirring tribute to Kevin Keegan, a legend of both Liverpool and Newcastle.
A double Ballon d’Or winner, Keegan was most revered for his feats as a manager at Newcastle and as a player at Liverpool, forging a successful career that included three First Division titles, one FA Cup, one European Cup, and two Uefa Cups as well as two Bundesliga titles between the years of 1968 and 1984.
His passing in July following a battle with cancer led to an outpouring of love from the football world, and ‘King Kev’ will be in the minds of all inside the ground today.
Team news
15:04 , Chris WilsonIraola will be without four members of his first-team squad, with Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni all sidelined for the first few weeks of the season at least.
Team news
15:02 , Chris WilsonNewcastle will only be without two members of the squad, though it is two key members as both Joelinton and Tino Livramento are sidelined.
When is Newcastle vs Liverpool?
15:01 , Chris WilsonNewcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday 23 August, with kick-off at 4.30pm BST.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage following Manchester City vs Bournemouth. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Newcastle v Liverpool live
15:00 , Chris WilsonNew Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola takes charge of the Reds in a competitive fixture for the first time as they face Newcastle United in their opening game of the 2026/27 season.
The Reds begin the new Premier League season with plenty of questions surrounding the squad, which Iraola has himself admitted was “thin” in some areas.
But hopes are high as Liverpool once again hope to challenge for the title, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and new signing Jeremy Jacquet expected to shine this year.
As for Newcastle, they are another club starting a new era this season, with Matthias Jaissle having replaced the long-serving Eddie Howe over the summer.
The German has his work cut out after losing the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon over the summer.
But a win in a huge opening game against Liverpool would be the perfect start as he looks to endear himself to the Magpies faithful.
Good afternoon
14:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s Premier League game between Newcastle and Liverpool.
It’s a new era for both sides as they open the campaign with new faces in charge, with both Andoni Iraola and Matthias Jassle taking charge of their first competitive games for their new clubs.
There’ll be plenty of eyes on this one as we get a first taste of how both sides could perform this season, and we’ll bring you all the latest team news and updates right here.
