Almost every issue that plagued Liverpool during this encounter bore the hallmarks of the problems that derailed their title defence so badly last season.
And the most worrying aspects continue to be how readily they are exposed on swift counter-attacks and how easily opposition midfields slice through their centre.
Both strikes Liverpool shipped originated from turnovers in dangerous positions inside the Newcastle penalty area.
The first arrived after the visitors’ rearguard parted alarmingly to permit Anthony Elanga a clear run on goal. The second proved far more concerning, with several retreating Liverpool players failing to press Yoane Wissa before he set up Joe Willock.
Arne Slot’s tenure ended with a tactical overcorrection that proved costly.
By contrast, Andoni Iraola finds himself in the infancy of his project. Having offered further indication that no midfield recruits will arrive, the burden now falls on the Spanish coach to embed his requirements into the Liverpool squad.
Jacquet proves worthy alongside Van Dijk
Jeremy Jacquet was barely seconds into his Premier League bow when left appealing in vain after being felled in an unpunished challenge.
Though not the ideal introduction to English football, the 21-year-old at least gained immediate exposure to the demands he will face.
Having performed creditably in the friendly triumph over Como last weekend, a hostile St James’ Park atmosphere combined with Wissa’s troublesome movement promised a considerably sterner test.
Yet Jacquet’s composed, resolute performance justified Iraola’s choice to pair him with Virgil van Dijk rather than the more seasoned option of recent loan signing Ronald Araujo.
The Frenchman’s prior experience in the middle of the park revealed itself through his willingness to push forward from the backline to inject tempo into Liverpool’s attacks.
After fading expectedly after the interval, he made way for Araujo, whose straightforward approach and capacity to deal with growing aerial pressure granted Liverpool the foundation for their late push. Both centre-back debutants can reflect satisfiedly on their displays.
Munoz impresses despite transfer uncertainties
For much of his inconsistent spell on the pitch, Victor Munoz risked becoming another argument for Liverpool’s pressing need to acquire a new right-sided attacker before next Tuesday’s cutoff.
However, it was Munoz who forced Lewis Miley into a reckless challenge deep in stoppage time, suggesting what he offers the rearguard.
Though frequently corralled into difficult situations or stripped of space, the Spaniard remained undaunted, with his direct running eventually rewarded.
Munoz had entered proceedings midway through the second half for Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old who clinched victory in this same fixture twelve months prior, having reinforced why his formative development should occur on his favoured left side.
It was from that flank that Cody Gakpo emerged as Liverpool’s most dangerous forward, appearing far from a player contemplating departure. Gakpo surely cannot be allowed to leave.
The dramatic conclusion served as fitting homage to Kevin Keegan, honoured by followers of both sides through mosaics and flags displayed during a pre-kickoff applause. Keegan will eternally hold legendary status at both institutions.