Ian Doyle brings you the Liverpool player assessments and marks from the season-opening Premier League fixture away at Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon
Liverpool began the Andoni Iraola tenure in thrilling style by earning a 2-2 stalemate at St James’ Park on the opening Sunday. After Anthony Elanga had given the home side an early lead, Cody Gakpo restored parity shortly after the interval only for the Magpies to regain the advantage minutes later through Joe Willock before Dominik Szoboszlai slotted home from the spot in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
The dramatic late equaliser meant Liverpool extended their streak of avoiding defeat on the first day of the Premier League campaign, a record stretching back to Brendan Rodgers’ inaugural match in charge back in 2012.
The ECHO was present at St James’ Park and here is the assessment of Liverpool’s individual performances.
Alisson Becker 6
Had no realistic chance of keeping out either goal and was largely untroubled until denying Wissa late on. Smart socks, though.
Jeremie Frimpong 4
Defensive work grew increasingly disorderly and squandered several promising crossing opportunities during the first half. Cautioned.
Jeremy Jacquet 7
Impressed with composed and accurate passing from the back on an encouraging competitive debut. Handled the physical battle well. Replaced.
Virgil van Dijk 5
Did not appear entirely assured and opted for some straightforward defensive work while numerous teammates dithered in their attempts. Cautioned.
Milos Kerkez 4
Caught out by Elanga’s pace for the opening goal and found the winger difficult to subdue while failing to provide adequate quality when advancing. Cautioned.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
Set-piece delivery was inconsistent and appeared somewhat uncertain about his positioning at various stages. Grew increasingly irritated and channelled frustration into the ball for the levelling penalty.
Ryan Gravenberch 5
Should have attempted a shot when receiving a poor pass that instead initiated Newcastle’s opener and spent the remainder attempting to make amends with mixed success, though did provide the assist for the equaliser. Replaced.
Rio Ngumoha 5
Once again deployed out of position, found it difficult to influence the first half and frequently became entangled in problematic situations. Only fleeting signs of quality after the break. Replaced.
Florian Wirtz 5
Forced a save from Hornicek and showed some neat touches, but the end product fell short of his obvious industry and he faded after half-time. Replaced.
Cody Gakpo 7
The sole Liverpool attacker determined to impose himself and take the game to Newcastle, resulting in a composed finish for the leveller.
Alexander Isak 5
Subjected to taunts from the home supporters but received minimal service before half-time then blazed his first opportunity over the bar after the interval.
Victor Munoz (for Ngumoha 63) 6
Did not appear entirely convincing on the right flank on his competitive debut until earning the equalising penalty.
Alexis Mac Allister (for Wirtz 63) 5
Won several free-kicks but little else of note.
Ronald Araujo (for Jacquet 70) 6
Dependable at centre-back on debut and possesses a long throw-in.
Lewis Koumas (for Gravenberch 78) 6
Premier League debut for the young player and produced several purposeful runs.