Liverpool faced Newcastle United at St James' Park, ending the match in a 2-2 draw that left manager Andoni Iraola feeling a mix of relief and concern. Unlike their previous visit in August, where a last-minute goal from Rio Ngumoha sparked chaos in the away end, this time it was Dominik Szoboszlai who converted a penalty deep into added time, salvaging a point for the Reds.

A Hard-Earned Draw

Iraola's side managed to secure a draw despite trailing twice during the match. The performance, while resilient, highlighted areas of concern within the squad. “It’s probably not the result you want when you come in before the game but we definitely deserve this point and even more,” Iraola stated in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. He praised his team's determination, noting that their late equalizer added to the satisfaction of the result.

Concerns Amidst the Fight

While the draw can be seen as a positive outcome given the circumstances, it also exposed some weaknesses in the Liverpool lineup. Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin remarked that Liverpool did not resemble a top-four team, despite expectations for the season. He pointed out a noticeable lack of creativity and emphasized the need for players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to step up, as their performances did not reflect their high transfer fees.

Wirtz and Isak's Struggles

Both Wirtz and Isak were under the spotlight during the match. Wirtz, brought in to enhance Liverpool's creativity, started well but faded as the game progressed. Isak, who returned to St James' Park after a contentious transfer, faced a hostile reception from the home crowd and struggled to make an impact, missing a crucial opportunity in the second half. Their performances raised questions about their ability to deliver on the expectations that come with their significant price tags.

As Liverpool prepares for the challenges ahead, the draw against Newcastle serves as both a point gained and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead for Iraola and his squad.