Szoboszlai penalty earns Liverpool late draw as Maresca begins with City win

Liverpool rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday when Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stoppage-time penalty, while Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca began Premier League life with an emotional 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth.

The Newcastle-Liverpool match was played in tribute to Kevin Keegan, the former player and manager of both clubs, who died aged 75 in July. Supporters from both sides joined in honouring a shared hero, with Keegan’s name sung throughout an entertaining contest that echoed the late drama often seen during his time in charge at Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga gave the hosts the ideal start, finishing a swift counter-attack in the fifth minute with a shot into the far corner.

Liverpool responded after half-time when Cody Gakpo collected possession outside the penalty area, drove forward and struck into the same corner of the goal chosen by Elanga.

Newcastle appeared to have secured victory when substitute Joe Willock scored almost immediately after coming on. His curling, bouncing effort restored the home side’s lead and looked set to be the decisive moment.

But deep into added time, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall barged into Liverpool substitute Victor Munoz inside the area. Szoboszlai took responsibility for the penalty and sent it into the top corner to claim a point for the visitors.

There had been speculation that Alexander Isak would take the kick. The striker was booed and jeered by Newcastle supporters on his return to St James’ Park after forcing a move to Anfield almost a year ago, but Szoboszlai stepped forward instead.

Keegan’s influence on the two clubs was reflected in the attendance. He first became a Liverpool hero through his goals as a striker before leaving for Hamburg in 1977, with Kenny Dalglish replacing him at Anfield. Keegan later enjoyed spells as a Newcastle player and manager, helping restore the club to the upper levels of English football.

His Newcastle teams were associated with fearless attacking football, although their defending was often less reliable. Former Newcastle forwards Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand and Peter Beardsley were among those in the VIP seats, alongside former Liverpool manager Dalglish and the colourful former Colombia international Faustino Asprilla, who wore a bucket hat in Newcastle’s colours.

The match’s combination of attacking ambition and late excitement provided a fitting tribute to Keegan, whose former teams produced a spectacle worthy of his reputation.

Maresca enjoys dramatic City start

Earlier on Sunday, Maresca could scarcely have asked for a more eventful beginning to his tenure as Manchester City manager.

For more than 80 minutes, Bournemouth led at the Etihad Stadium and threatened to undermine the start of a new era for City. The club are adjusting to life after Pep Guardiola’s departure, which ended a decade of exceptional success featuring six Premier League titles and a historic treble in 2022-23 that included City’s first European triumph.

The departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones had also left Maresca with a squad seeking a fresh identity.

Yet City eventually delivered a late comeback reminiscent of some of the defining moments of Guardiola’s reign. Marc Guehi equalised in the 84th minute before Josko Gvardiol completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time winner.

Erling Haaland, returning from a World Cup that had elevated him to cult-hero status and sporting a shaved head after abandoning his trademark blonde hair, endured a difficult afternoon in front of goal. He missed an early opportunity from Nico O’Reilly’s inviting cross.

City nevertheless controlled much of the match, finishing with 13 shots to Bournemouth’s five and enjoying long spells of possession.

Guehi powered a corner into the net with six minutes of normal time remaining. In the 91st minute, substitute Rayan Cherki threaded a clever pass through the Bournemouth defence and Gvardiol swivelled before finishing. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but VAR overturned the decision and sparked celebrations around the Etihad.

“The spirit was fantastic,” Maresca said.

A large “Welcome Back Enzo” banner had greeted the former City assistant before kick-off. Maresca said the late victory made the occasion particularly powerful.

“It’s the perfect day, to be honest. The perfect day. I was pleased at the end because we give the fans the joy of the three points. I have to say that was quite emotional.”