The 2026/27 Premier League season produced a dramatic opening weekend, with new managers Andoni Iraola and Enzo Maresca enduring contrasting experiences as Liverpool rescued a point at Newcastle and Manchester City staged a late comeback against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Arsenal began their title defence in style, while Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to newly promoted Hull City.
Read Also: Szoboszlai penalty rescues Liverpool in Iraola’s debut
Iraola faces early Liverpool test
Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty to earn Liverpool a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in Iraola’s first Premier League match in charge.
Anthony Elanga put Newcastle ahead in the first half before Cody Gakpo equalised shortly after the interval.
Joe Willock restored Newcastle’s advantage with his first Premier League goal since 2024, but Liverpool were handed a lifeline late on when Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz inside the penalty area.
Szoboszlai kept his composure to convert the penalty with the final kick of the game and secure a point for Liverpool.
The draw gives Iraola an unbeaten start to his Liverpool reign, but the Spaniard will have concerns after an unconvincing performance from his side.
Liverpool showed character to fight back twice but struggled to impose themselves for long periods against a determined Newcastle team.
Iraola arrived at Anfield after guiding Bournemouth to European qualification last season with an attacking, high-energy style.
He now faces the much bigger challenge of rebuilding a Liverpool side that finished fifth last season and closing the gap on defending…
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Read Full Article by Anthony Nlebem at businessday.ng
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