Iraola savours late point at St James' Park

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola praised his side's character after they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season. The result extends Liverpool's unbeaten run in league openers to nine matches.

Context: A point gained or two lost?

Iraola's men twice trailed at St James' Park but showed the resilience that has become a hallmark of his tenure. The manager, appointed in the summer, has instilled a high-pressing philosophy that troubled Newcastle throughout. The Magpies, under Eddie Howe, remain a formidable home side, but Liverpool's late surge underlined their title credentials.

Statistically, Liverpool enjoyed 58% possession and registered 14 shots to Newcastle's 10. The equaliser came from a corner routine that has been drilled on the training ground, a set-piece improvement immediately visible. Iraola said: "When you score at the end it tastes better. The lads showed great belief to keep pushing."

Impact: What it means for both clubs

For Liverpool, this point could prove vital in a season where the title race is expected to be decided by fine margins. They have now lost just once in their last 15 Premier League matches, a run stretching back to March. The late goal also extends their unbeaten streak in matches where they have trailed at half-time.

  • Liverpool's set-piece efficiency has improved markedly under Iraola, with three of their last five league goals coming from dead-ball situations.
  • Newcastle remain without a win in their opening fixture for the third consecutive season, a pattern that will concern Howe.
  • Fantasy Premier League managers who captained Liverpool's attacking midfielders were rewarded, with the late goal earning bonus points.

Iraola's tactical flexibility was evident as he switched to a more direct approach in the final 20 minutes, introducing an additional striker to stretch Newcastle's defence. The change paid off, with the equaliser arriving in the 88th minute. "We had to adapt, and the players executed the plan perfectly," he said.

Newcastle will rue missed chances, particularly a first-half penalty appeal that was waved away. However, their performance suggests they will be a tough nut to crack at home, where they lost just twice last season.

What's next: Early momentum

Liverpool face a busy September with fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City. This point provides momentum and confidence. Iraola stressed the importance of building on this result: "We take the point and move forward. There is a long season ahead, but this is the kind of performance that builds a title challenge."

For Newcastle, the focus shifts to their upcoming trip to Brighton, where they will seek their first win of the campaign. The north-east club have won only two of their last 12 Premier League visits to the south coast.

Filed under: Match Reports | LA Premier League Home