Andoni Iraola's first Premier League match in charge of Liverpool ended in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday, with Dominik Szoboszlai's penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time rescuing a point at St James' Park. The result exposed the midfield and defensive problems that troubled Liverpool under Arne Slot last season, leaving the new head coach with clear work to do before the transfer window closes on September 1. Both clubs entered a new era, as Newcastle also played their first league game under Matthias Jaissle. Before kickoff, supporters paid tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, an icon who represented both clubs and, as a manager, assembled Newcastle's ‘The Entertainers’ side of the 1990s. The emotional atmosphere appeared to lift the home team: inside five minutes, Anthony Elanga finished coolly after Ryan Gravenberch gave the ball away near the Newcastle penalty area, allowing William Osula to send the Sweden forward through. Alexander Isak, Elanga's international teammate, endured a difficult return to Tyneside. The 26-year-old joined Liverpool from Newcastle last summer for £125 million after a protracted and acrimonious transfer saga, and he was booed before the game and throughout it. He failed to make an impact, with his most notable contribution a second-half effort sent over the bar. Liverpool supporters will expect far more from their £125-million forward as the season develops. Cody Gakpo drew Liverpool level with a well-placed strike from distance, but the goal did not change the course of the match for long. Just 157 seconds later, Newcastle substitute Joe Willock restored the home side's lead with a fine finish. It was the first time Liverpool had conceded two goals from fast breaks in the same game since last August, when Iraola's AFC Bournemouth scored twice in quick succession at Anfield before Liverpool won 4-2. Asked about the midfield issues, Iraola rejected the idea that they were simply about one player. He noted that Gravenberch is effectively the No. 6 on the edge of the box and that, if he shoots and scores, he is praised, but the team must adapt to the risk of losing possession in those areas. On Newcastle's second goal, Iraola said Liverpool had enough players back to defend but failed to make a foul or win the first challenge, adding that the problem must be corrected collectively. There were positives for the visitors. Second-half substitutes Ronald Araújo and Víctor Muñoz made a difference, with Muñoz winning the late penalty after Lewis Hall fouled him. Szoboszlai, who converted the spot kick, told Sky Sports that the team will never give up and that every squad member must be ready. He pointed to Muñoz's impact in his first Premier League minutes, saying the bench demonstrated the need for the whole squad. Liverpool's transfer priority remains strengthening in wide areas, but Sunday's performance also pointed to a need for more steel in midfield and better depth to compete across four competitions. The window closes on September 1, leaving little time for Liverpool to address those gaps. A busy week lies ahead, and Iraola will need to find solutions quickly. For football followers in Soomaaliya and across the Somali diaspora, the draw offers an early test of whether Liverpool can turn late fight into a steadier season. Newcastle's quick start under Jaissle and Liverpool's need for additions give supporters in the region two clear threads to follow as the transfer deadline approaches.