Liverpool extend all-time Premier League record and suffer club worst in Newcastle draw

Liverpool extended an all-time record of the good kind and set a new club record of the bad kind in their frenetic 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park.

After both sets of players, staff and supporters took part in a heart-warming tribute to the iconic Kevin Keegan, Matthias Jaissle was on course to get one over fellow managerial debutant Andoni Iraola within the opening few moments.

The hosts opened their account for the Premier League season thanks to a rapid-fire counter-attack, which saw Anthony Elanga burn Milos Kerkez for pace and pick out the far corner in front of the away end.

The former Manchester United man's maiden goal of the campaign came after just five minutes, making his strike the earliest that Liverpool have ever conceded in the opening gameweek of a Premier League season.

History immediately favoured the men in black and white following Elanga's goal, as coming into Sunday's game, Liverpool were winless in 18 Premier League away matches when falling 1-0 down, last earning a victory in such circumstances against Crystal Palace in December 2023.

Liverpool's unrivalled Premier League streak extended in Newcastle draw

Iraola's men came out fighting in the second half, though, and their first goal of the Premier League season arrived from the boot of Cody Gakpo, who finished with aplomb from 20 yards.

However, Joe Willock's exceptional close control and curling finish restored Newcastle's advantage, and the Magpies were seconds away from ending an appalling 19-game winless run against Liverpool in the Premier League.

The day ended in despair for Jaissle and co, though, as Lewis Hall's late foul on Victor Munoz inside the area presented Dominik Szoboszlai with the chance to steal a point from the penalty spot - a chance he did not pass up.

The Hungarian's venomous spot kick ensured that Liverpool would avoid defeat on matchday one for the 14th season in a row, the longest active streak of any Premier League club and one that the Reds have now extended.

The Merseyside giants have not lost an opening gameweek top-flight match since the 2012-13 season, when they were stunned 3-0 by West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

Andoni Iraola reacts to Alexander Isak Newcastle reception

While Szoboszlai was Liverpool's saviour, Alexander Isak's return to St James' Park did not go to plan for the former Newcastle striker, who was met with an extremely frosty reception from his erstwhile fanbase.

Isak missed two big chances, won just two of his six ground duels and failed to complete a single dribble from three attempts, but Iraola played down the reaction to his Magpies comeback.

"I think he expected a little bit the atmosphere, I don't think [it] has been a big surprise for him," Iraola said at his post-game press conference. "I think he has tried everything, has given us good positions on the ball.

"[He] probably has had a couple of situations to finish inside the box, but probably not the clearest that he wanted or we wanted, but I value that. He has continued pushing on in the game, fighting, and I think it's a good step for Alex for being the first game."

Liverpool are next in Premier League action against Nottingham Forest next Saturday lunchtime, prior to which Iraola's side learn their Champions League league-phase opponents in Thursday's draw.