Newcastle United hosted Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in a high-profile opening-round fixture of the 2026–27 Premier League season. Newcastle United vs Liverpool today marked the competitive debut of both teams under new managers, with Matthias Jaissle taking charge of Newcastle after Eddie Howe’s departure and Andoni Iraola beginning his Liverpool tenure.
Both clubs had undergone major changes during the summer, adding extra intrigue to the Newcastle United vs Liverpool match.
Newcastle entered with several key departures and injuries, while Liverpool prepared to unveil a revamped squad featuring new signing Alexander Isak against his former club. The atmosphere at St. James’ Park was expected to be intense as both sides began a new chapter.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool Team News and Predicted Lineups
Newcastle were expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lukas Hornicek starting in goal ahead of Nick Pope. The back four featured Amar Dedić, Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall, while Jacob Ramsey and El Hadji Malick Diouf provided the midfield base.
Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes operated behind William Osula in attack. New signing Bazoumana Touré was also in contention to make his Newcastle debut.
The Magpies were without captain Joelinton and defender Tino Livramento through injury, while Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães had all departed during the summer.
Liverpool also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Alisson Becker behind Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araújo and Milos Kerkez. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were expected in midfield, with Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo supporting Isak.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool Match Context and Squad Changes
The Newcastle United vs Liverpool match carried added significance because both clubs were starting under new managers after major squad overhauls.
Liverpool had moved on from Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté, while injuries ruled out Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Joseph Gomez and Giovanni Leoni.
Isak’s return to St. James’ Park in Liverpool colors was another major storyline. As the Newcastle United vs Liverpool results emerged, attention centered on whether the new-look teams could begin their campaigns with an important opening-day victory.
Full-Time Update
Newcastle United and Liverpool played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park in the opening Premier League match of the 2026-27 season, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a late penalty to rescue a point for Liverpool.
Newcastle took an early lead in the fourth minute when Anthony Elanga finished from William Osula’s assist. The goal was checked and confirmed by VAR. Liverpool responded after halftime when Cody Gakpo equalized in the 54th minute, with Ryan Gravenberch providing the assist.
The Magpies restored their advantage almost immediately. Joe Willock came off the bench in the 55th minute and scored just seconds later, putting Newcastle back in front. VAR again confirmed the goal.
Both managers made several changes as the match continued. Newcastle introduced Jacob Ramsey and Willock before later bringing on Jacob Murphy, Aladji Bamba and Fabian Schär, while Liverpool turned to Víctor Muñoz, Alexis Mac Allister, Ronald Araújo and Lewis Koumas.
Liverpool continued pushing for an equalizer, and the pressure finally paid off deep into stoppage time. After a VAR review, Liverpool were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the Newcastle box. Szoboszlai stepped up in the 90+8th minute and converted to make it 2-2.
The late goal denied Newcastle a winning start and gave Liverpool a point from an entertaining opening-day contest.
Key Match Moments
1′ Kickoff: The opening match of the 2026-27 Premier League season begins at St. James’ Park.
4′ Goal – Newcastle United 1-0 Liverpool: Anthony Elanga scores from William Osula’s assist. VAR confirms the goal.
24′ Yellow Card – Newcastle: Yoane Wissa is booked for a foul.
29′ Yellow Card – Liverpool: Milos Kerkez receives a caution.
29′ Yellow Card – Liverpool: Jeremie Frimpong is booked moments later.
33′ Yellow Card – Newcastle: Lewis Miley enters the referee’s book.
45+3′ Half-Time: Newcastle lead 1-0 at the break.
46′ Second Half: Play resumes at St. James’ Park.
54′ Goal – Newcastle United 1-1 Liverpool: Cody Gakpo equalizes from Ryan Gravenberch’s assist. VAR confirms the goal.
55′ Substitutions – Newcastle: Jacob Ramsey replaces Sean Steur, while Joe Willock replaces William Osula.
56′ Goal – Newcastle United 2-1 Liverpool: Substitute Joe Willock scores seconds after coming on. VAR confirms the goal.
62′ Substitutions – Liverpool: Víctor Muñoz replaces Rio Ngumoha and Alexis Mac Allister replaces Florian Wirtz.
64′ Yellow Card – Newcastle: Jacob Ramsey is booked.
69′ Substitution – Liverpool: Ronald Araújo replaces Jérémy Jacquet.
75′ Substitutions – Newcastle: Jacob Murphy replaces Anthony Elanga and Aladji Bamba replaces Lewis Miley.
77′ Substitution – Liverpool: Lewis Koumas replaces Ryan Gravenberch.
78′ Yellow Card – Newcastle: Jacob Murphy is booked.
90′ Yellow Card – Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk receives a late caution.
90+3′ Yellow Card – Newcastle: Goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček is booked for time-wasting.
90+4′ Substitution – Newcastle: Fabian Schär replaces Yoane Wissa as Newcastle look to protect their lead.
90+8′ Goal – Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai converts a late penalty after a VAR review to rescue a point for Liverpool.
90+8′ Full-Time: Newcastle United and Liverpool finish level at 2-2.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool Results Today: Premier League Live Score, Updates, Stats