Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola suggested Alexander Isak had anticipated the hostile welcome from Newcastle supporters during his first appearance against his former club at St James’ Park.
The Sweden international completed the entire match on Sunday as home fans loudly expressed their displeasure at each of his touches during a thrilling 2-2 encounter that saw Dominik Szoboszlai convert a stoppage-time penalty to secure a point for the visitors.
Sunday marked Isak’s initial competitive fixture against the Magpies since completing his British-record transfer worth £125m on September 1 of the previous year.
The forward encountered abusive songs alongside sustained booing throughout the contest, while numerous Newcastle supporters directed taunts referring to a rodent at the striker as he entered the stadium where he had spent three seasons.
Iraola commended the number nine for his response to the reception, noting that the atmosphere came as little shock to the player.
The manager observed that Isak had worked extremely hard throughout the contest, generating promising positions when in possession and creating several promising openings in the area, although perhaps not as clear-cut as desired. Despite this, Iraola valued that Isak continued pressing and competing until the final whistle, describing it as a positive progression for the player.
The Spanish coach acknowledged that scoring late provided a more favourable impression of the result than would have been accepted beforehand, yet viewed it as justified given the pressure Liverpool applied to Newcastle, forcing the home side to hold on until the conclusion.
Iraola felt his team had done enough to find the breakthrough earlier, noting that an earlier goal would likely have shifted the momentum in their favour. While acknowledging Newcastle could point to their lead requiring no further risk-taking, the manager highlighted that his side dominated statistically in terms of chances created.
The manager identified first-half failures to convert opportunities at the edge of the area as a contributing factor to Newcastle’s opening goal, whereas the second half brought greater urgency with Cody Gakpo’s strike and increased pressure through set pieces and crosses.
Anthony Elanga’s opening goal was eventually overturned by Gakpo’s powerful strike, before Joe Willock struck within minutes of entering the field as a replacement. Szoboszlai then converted from the spot after Victor Munoz was felled by Lewis Hall deep into added time.
Iraola explained that multiple players possessed the capability to take penalties, with Alexis Mac Allister and Cody also available, but felt Szoboszlai demonstrated excellent quality with a kick virtually impossible to save. The manager expressed satisfaction at recovering a point while noting an earlier penalty claim involving Munoz had been ruled out prematurely.
Regarding Munoz, Iraola expressed pleasure at the new signing’s ability to cause problems for opponents, emphasising that squad depth providing options from the bench would prove crucial throughout the campaign.