Newcastle and Liverpool serve up thrilling tribute to Kevin Keegan

Dominic KingSun, August 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM UTC

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Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates his last-gasp equaliser - Scott Heppell/Reuters

It had to end that way, didn’t it? A last-minute goal, a sense of what might have been and a game that will take days to decipher.

Newcastle versus Liverpool became the Premier League’s most dramatic fixture when Kevin Keegan was manager here and, on the day 52,630 came to the “cathedral on the hill” to pay tribute to the late, great superstar, we were treated to a contest that was in keeping with his narrative.

Newcastle and Liverpool fans (below) pay tribute to Kevin Keegan before kick-off and their respective teams did not disappoint on the pitch - Richard Sellers/Allstar via Getty Images

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Quite what Newcastle and Liverpool’s new head coaches, Matthias Jaissle and Andoni Iraola, made of it all will be discovered in due course, but Jaissle was devastated to see his first afternoon spoilt by Dominik Szoboszlai’s 98th-minute penalty and Iraola was absolutely breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Jaissle would have spent idle moments in the build-up to this contest thinking about what might happen if Newcastle scored an early goal and, much to his delight, fantasy became reality in the most thrilling fashion. On this emotional afternoon, it was fitting the hosts scored first.

One of Keegan’s great early wins as Newcastle manager was in November 1993, when his team blew away Liverpool in the snow and Andy Cole scored a first-half hat-trick. His first goal that day came after five minutes and, by happy coincidence, the clock stopped at that moment for Elanga, too.

How Liverpool went from having a chance to score of their own to conceding 20 seconds later is something Iraola will have to address quickly, but that is what happened: Ryan Gravenberch should have shot, instead he passed and Amar Dedic intervened, his interception finding Will Osula.

Off Osula galloped, Liverpool’s defenders looking leaden-footed as they gave pursuit, and he ushered Elanga into open space. Once he was in the clear, he was not for catching and his shot was perfectly placed beyond Alisson Becker.

What could Liverpool offer in response? Nothing, other than a shot from Florian Wirtz that was well saved by Lukas Hornicek. The first half was wretched and it was difficult to see what had changed from the final throes of Arne Slot.

This, to be clear, is no criticism of Iraola, more a spotlight being put on players who need to step up. They did that momentarily in the second period, when Cody Gakpo equalised. He was afforded far too much time and space by Newcastle’s defence but, still, his finish was super, zipping beyond Hornicek.

But parity was secured for less than two minutes before Newcastle scored a near-carbon copy second goal, another counter-attack – this was one led by Wissa – ending with substitute Joe Willock finding a corner of Alisson’s net.

It should have been enough – and it deserved to be enough – but in the final throes, Lewis Hall made a misjudged attempt to tackle substitute Victor Muñoz, he got it wrong and Szoboszlai smashed in the spot kick. The only surprise is that some were surprised there was such a late twist.

07:29pm

Jaissle ‘not a fan of the penalty decision’

A really soft one, if you give that, they’ll be more in the future, I’m not a fan of that.

07:29pm

Jaissle staying upbeat

Their heads are a little down but we know we had many challenges, we’re in a huge transition phase at the moment.

It’s a brave project but I like the challenge, working with young lads, they were tired. Lewis Miley just came back from an injury but they did an amazing job and it’s just about getting adapted to the league.

The crowd here is unbelievable and the quality. Every change can be decisive and it’s something I really enjoy. We’re clear in our approach and you can adjust in the game if you plan ahead.

07:17pm

Iroala: We did not finish enough actions

It’s not the result you want, but scoring in the last minute gives us a better feeling. I value that the players never gave up. I’m sure we had more chances, it’s unfair they’re winning very early and overall, I think we’ve had the better chances.

We were probably in the first half not finishing anything, we had a lot of balls on the edge but we needed to shoot. We don’t finish play and then they win on the counter-attack.

The players coming from the bench gave us energy and you can feel the way we want to play.

Overall, we played a lot in their half and had good moments and phases on the ball. The first goal was more difficult to defend, Anthony Elanga is a fast player. The second, I think we had the numbers but sometimes you have to finish the play and try and win the ball.

Iraola thought Liverpool were the better side - Paul Ellis/Getty Images

07:05pm

Wissa: This was my best Newcastle performance

What a special club, what a special man, that’s why we gave him a big credit. The fans were unbelievable today. I think we gave them so much back today and that’s what we need to give them all season.

We know we needed to give the fans something after this period so that’s why we tried to start fast. The fans pushed us until the end.

It was my best [performance for Newcastle] so far. New manager, new role. I’m so pleased to be here. I hope today I showed I’m really happy.

Matthias Jaissle congratulates Yoane Wissa - Molly Darlington/Getty Images

07:02pm

Wissa on Newcastle as a team

It’s rough, especially 30 seconds before the end of the game, but that’s a huge step for us. That’s the mentality we need to have through the season. The manager came three weeks ago and gave us a lot of information. Now we show on the pitch we are ready for the season. We needed this win to make a statement but in the end we draw. We have so much to work on.

07:02pm

Szoboszlai: You cannot hear your own voice here

To be honest, I didn’t even hear the referee’s whistle. I had to look at him if I can go. I was practising a lot during the pre-season. We didn’t have any penalties during games, but in training. We need to take the positivity of the first game and move on.

More than 50,000 fans in the stadium against you. You can’t hear your own voice. That’s why I love football and that’s why I am doing it.

To come here is always tough. Everybody knows the [Newcastle] fans are unbelievable. They have a great team and a manager - new but he has proven himself in many other clubs. But we were prepared and we needed to be closer to each other under a new manager as well. We needed to know what was going on in the game. It’s a good thing coming back into the game after 2-1 down.

If I am honest, we should have won. But that’s football. You don’t win easy in the Premier League - doesn’t matter who you play against. We have to be aware of that and we need to take care in the next game.

06:48pm

The crucial penalty incident

06:47pm

Out of jail

06:37pm

Good thinking from the Liverpool players

I think they did the right thing, easy to say now of course, by not giving Isak the penalty. There is enough pressure on in the 96th minute without all that would have entailed. Nor was Isak having the best of games.

06:31pm

Luke’s verdict

06:30pm

FT: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2

The points are shared, and Lewis Hall has his hands on his knees. Jaissle protests with the officials. This was a stirring home performance from Newcastle which should build confidence for the season ahead. An irrepressible showing from Wissa was the biggest positive. Iraola will be pleased to get back on the coach with a draw after what was quite a ragged Liverpool performance, their midfield balance looked off.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty was emphatic - Scott Heppell/Reuters

06:27pm

GOOOOALLL! Szoboszlai picks out the top corner

What a magnificent penalty from Szoboszlai, Hornicek had no chance, and Liverpool have surely snatched a point.

06:26pm

Will Isak take it?

What theatre that would be... Gakpo has the ball in his hands. But no, it’s going to be Szoboszlai.

06:25pm

PENALTY LIVERPOOL!

With the last kick of the game, practically. Kerkez launched the ball forward, Van Dijk competed for a header, Munoz pounced on the seconds, and his pace carried enough threat to prompt Hall to step across the winger and make contact with his knee.

VAR upholds the decision.

Victor Munoz brought down by Lewis Hall - George Wood/Getty Images

06:23pm

94 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

So, so poor from Frimpong who hesitates to put a cross in, takes a couple of unconvincing touches, and then commits a foul. Mac Allister. Wissa receives a standing ovation, replaced by Schar.

06:21pm

92 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Gakpo runs down a blind alley, and it is another blunt Liverpool attack. Time running out for them now.

06:20pm

91 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Liverpool corner, won by Lewis Koumas who lacked support but his cross deflects behind.

Hornicek palms away Szoboszlai’s delivery. This has been strong Premier League debut from the goalkeeper.

06:19pm

90 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Newcastle have a throw deep in Liverpool territory after more good work from Wissa, and chaotic defending from Liverpool. Atwell has booked Gakpo for an earlier foul on Wissa.

There will be FIVE minutes of added time.

06:18pm

89 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Murphy with another wonderful cross through the Liverpool six-yard box, but no player in black and white was gambling for a tap in. Liverpool just about still in with a sniff.

06:17pm

87 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Cheers at St James’ Park as Thiaw ushers the ball behind as Kerkez tried to get in behind. Then Frimpong’s touch lets him down, not for the first time.

06:16pm

86 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

An aimless cross from Liverpool, and Munoz is penalised at the back post for a push. Liverpool have lacked clarity and intelligence in the last third today, but there is still time.

06:15pm

85 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Big save by Alisson! He narrows the angle to deny Wissa the goal his performance deserves. How important could that prove to be? Liverpool have the ball again.

06:13pm

84 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Liverpool with a long spell of possession in the final third, trying to tire Newcastle legs, but Frimpong’s cross is a little too high for Isak to generate any power with the header. Newcastle are just starting to sit in a touch.

06:12pm

82 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Munoz runs down a blind alley, more sound defending from Lewis Hall and the Newcastle players can see the finish line now. They will be only too aware of how they lost this game in the last minute 12 months ago, though.

06:09pm

80 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Szoboszlai shoots against the well, and the Araujo is booked for bundling over a Newcastle defender. Wissa thought he was away for Newcastle but the flag goes up for offside.

06:07pm

78 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Frimpong does well to keep things alive for Liverpool, and there are half-hearted appeals for a handball penalty but Thiaw was down by his side. Another Liverpool sub: Lewis Koumas is on for Gravenberch.

The long throw is headed away, but Murphy catches Mac Allister and Liverpool have a free-kick in a crossing position. Though you never can tell with Szoboszlai around.

06:05pm

76 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Here come those changes from Newcastle: Murphy and Bamba on for Elanga and Miley. Hall’s delivery from the free-kick won by Wissa was poor.

06:04pm

75 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Liverpool have Newcastle penned in, but Munoz’s pass is overhit and Newcastle have a goal kick. Jaissle is about to introduce Jacob Murphy from the bench. Wissa, Newcastle’s best player by a stretch, does well to win a free-kick high up the pitch from Szoboszlai.

06:02pm

73 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Araujo is on for Jacquet at the back for Liverpool, who have just threatened again. Szoboszlai hacked down but the referee waved play on, and Kerkez could not get enough curl on his cross or else Isak would have had a free header.

05:59pm

71 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Willock lifts in a teasing cross from the right, Alisson palms the ball back into danger, and Ramsey cracks a shot wide of the post. Hard to say whether this game is going 3-1 or 2-2 but the scoring is surely not over.

05:58pm

69 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Was that Isak’s moment? Gakpo rolls the ball back to Isak in a good shooting position just inside the box, but he slices his left-footed effort well over the bar. More cheers from the Newcastle fans.

05:56pm

67 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Newcastle really should have three! Defence-splitting pass from Miley to release Hall, who feeds a teasing cross into the six-yard box, but Wissa could only get studs on it. Better connection and that was a goal. Liverpool so fragile at the back, though.

05:55pm

65 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Stuart Atwell has been guessing on decisions throughout this game, and Jacob Ramsey has just been booked for what looked a clean challenge on Isak, who produced a lovely turn initially. Newcastle survive the free-kick.

But then Gakpo has acres of space to run into, but Botman saves the day in the box. The game is haywire at the moment.

05:53pm

63 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Here come the Liverpool changes: Ngumoha, who was the match-winner last season here, Wirtz are the players off, replaced by Munoz and Mac Allister.

05:49pm

60 minutes: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 1

Liverpool will be kicking themselves, they had Newcastle on the ropes. Iraola is preparing a triple sub. Willock was the goalscorer, but it was also a brilliant assist from Wissa.

The equaliser had been coming but that was really poor from a defensive perspective as everyone backed off Cody Gakpo and let him pick his spot.

You also have to question the decision to keep Will Osula on. He was obviously struggling to move freely and it has meant Newcastle did not have an out ball.

But, just as I was going to be critical of manager Matthias Jassile one of his substitutes puts Newcastle back in front and it a brilliant goal. Magnificent build up play from Wissa, who skipped away from three Liverpool players, but it is even better from Joe Willock who takes the pass in his stride, shows great skill t o take it on jis stride and away from Frimpong and the finish is sublime, curled into the bottom corner.

Lee Smith/Reuters

05:47pm

GOOOAALLL! Willock scores against the run of play

Jaissle can claim that as a magical substitution, but it is superb individual goal from Joe Willock. Another Newcastle counter-attack, Wissa does brilliantly to wriggle away from three players in midfield, and Willock dribbles inside Frimpong before arcing a shot into the far corner. Outstanding finish.

05:45pm

56 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 1

Jaissle with a double sub immediately after conceding: Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey are on, replacing William Osula and Sean Steur who was a little slack on the Gakpo goal.

The game is one-way traffic, Liverpool looking to turn the screw.

05:44pm

GOOOALL! Gakpo scores at the second attempt

The man linked with a move to Spurs all summer has equalised for Liverpool. He had a sighter a few minutes earlier, and it was too easy for Gakpo to receive the ball behind Newcastle’s midfield, and he had time to pick out the far corner with a clean hit from outside the box. Game on.

05:42pm

52 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Just two touches inside the Newcastle penalty area from Isak so far, he has been subdued. Nice idea from Gakpo, chopping inside from the left, and curling a shot not far wide of the top corner.

05:39pm

50 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Good defending from Lewis Hall up against Ngumoha, before Van Dijk passes the ball straight of play. Wissa wanted a free-kick for a challenge from behind by Gravenberch but the referee judged he touched the ball first.

05:37pm

47 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Scramble at the back post from the Liverpool corner, but then a loose touch from Wirtz prompts a Newcastle break and there was a chance for Elanga to dribble into the box but he put the breaks on.

The game is already really stretched, holes appearing in Liverpool’s midfield. Wissa’s poked through ball towards Osula was just a tad overhit.

There are surely more goals to follow.

05:34pm

We are back under way in the second half

Liverpool have made a sharp start from kick off, winning a corner.

Just because it is a manager’s first game, we shouldn’t pull our punches. That was a scandalous first half performance from Liverpool and there is absolutely no difference in watching them now compared to what they offered through much of last season. Maybe the disappointment wasn’t about the man in the dugout. Maybe it was about the players wearing the Red shirt.

05:26pm

Caught out

05:24pm

Luke’s verdict: A strong start but Newcastle flagging

Newcastle will be delighted to go in leading the game at half time but there were some worrying signs before the break.

They had stopped getting up the pitch and were invited a lot of pressure from Liverpool. Will Osula has clearly picked up an injury – he took a whack on his achilles midway through the half – and will surely need to be replaced by Nick Woltemade in the second half with Yoane Wissa moving up top.

Alexander Isak has been on the receiving end of a number of heavy tackles and has looked pretty miserable so far on his return to St James’ Park.

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But Liverpool are not going to keep getting into dangerous positions and fail to capitalise on them. Things for Matthias Jaissle to sort out before the second half.

05:22pm

Too cavalier?

05:20pm

HT: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Plenty of possession for Liverpool, but not enough cutting edge of crispness in their play in the final third. On top of that problem, they were vulnerable to Newcastle’s pace and direct play early on although that threat abated as the half progressed. Jaissle will be delighted with the commitment and application of his players, but Osula may have to come off with a knock.

Newcastle worked hard for their first half lead - Scott Heppell/Reuters

05:18pm

45 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Isak hooks a pass towards Frimpong straight out of play, causing much mirth among the home fans.

05:16pm

43 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Foul given against Wissa on Gravenberch, and the Newcastle forward needs to be careful on a yellow. I’m not sure there was any contact at all. Wissa drags a shot across the face of Liverpool’s goal and wide.

05:13pm

41 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Gravenberch with a speculative shot which is blocked, before Dedic blasts the ball off Gakpo to win a goal kick. Dan Burn is watching on from the stands, Newcastle’s new club captain who is absent because of a rolled ankle. Also up there in the gods is England manager Thomas Tuchel.

05:11pm

38 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Much better cross from Frimpong, but Dedic clears at the back post for a Liverpool corner. Danger as Gakpo flicks the ball on at the neat post, and the ball bounces off Botman and behind for another corner. Gravenberch tries a cute reverse pass towards Isak, but it deflects through to Hornicek. Isak has been ever so quiet.

05:08pm

36 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

William Osula is hobbling up top for Newcastle, which is a worry because has been a menace so far. The same can be said of Yoane Wissa who is having a stormer as a second striker, dropping into midfield at times.

05:06pm

34 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Stuart Atwell being a little card happy, now Lewis Miley is shown a yellow for a foul on Gravenberch. Just looked a regulation midfield foul, not sure a booking was necessary.

05:04pm

32 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Osula took the free-kick, straight into the wall, but his follow up effort deflects off Szoboszlai and behind for a corner. Excellent delivery from Lewis Hall, cleared by Van Dijk.

Wirtz and Isak do well down the left to start a Liverpool counter with runners forward, but Frimpong’s delivery from the right is atrocious.

05:02pm

29 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool starting to monopolise possession, without a crafty final pass. Kerkez has been booked for holding Elanga, who is giving him a going over on Newcastle’s right flank.

Then Barnes rolls inside Frimpong and drives inside, and the Liverpool right-back is booked for a challenge from behind. May well have been a harsh call, both plays were grasping for a piece of shirt.

Both of Liverpool’s full-backs on yellows now.

04:58pm

25 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Wissa booked for a mistimed challenge, and Liverpool have a free-kick 30 yards out. Szoboszlai is thinking about a shot... but he blasts his shot straight into the wall.

Osula then does very well to make it stick and drag Newcastle up the pitch but the move fizzles out.

It’s an experience in itself watching Andoni Iraola on the sideline. He’s going to have clocked up 10,000 steps for sure by the final whistle and his increasing animation is indicative of Liverpool’s anaemic start. You would expect Liverpool to score at some point but this is a team that has lots of questions to answer.

Andoni Iraola is straight into the heat of battle - George Wood/Getty Images

04:57pm

24 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Isak down on the turf after a strong challenge by Lewis Hall, no foul given much to the delight of the Newcastle fans.

Then the home team cut through Liverpool again, Wissa with a glorious outside of the foot pass behind Jacquet for the run of Osula, but the Liverpool defender just about got a toe to the ball as the striker closed in on Alisson. Great challenge in the end from the wrong side.

04:55pm

22 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Nice counter-movement between Elanga and Dedic the right-back. Elanga faked to drop inside, taking Kerkez and Gakpo with him, and Miley’s switch found Dedic on the outside. Cross is blocked, and Newcastle have a corner. Cleared, and then a poor Szoboszlai pass is blocked when there was a chance to release Wirtz on the counter.

04:52pm

20 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

It feels like all the 50:50s are dropping Newcastle’s way at the moment. It has been a very energetic start, the question is whether that is sustainable across the game so early in the season. The tempo will surely drop at some point.

Peter Beardsley, Tino Asprilla and Shaka Hislop among Keegan’s former players watching on.

04:50pm

18 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Hornicek with his first big save of the game, tipping Wirtz’s shot around the post. Newcastle failed to deal with a Kerkez cross and the ball dropped to the German for a snap shot. Newcastle defend the corner.

“There’s only one greedy b-----d,” is the chant from the Newcastle fans (aimed at Isak, for the uninitiated).

04:47pm

15 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Wissa goes down looking for a foul but nothing doing, but there are cheers from the home fans as Isak is beaten to a header and then Sean Steur turns away from pressure well in midfield. There is more bite about the home team in the challenges than Liverpool, Jaissle will be delighted with this.

04:44pm

12 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Echoes of last season with Liverpool’s defence looking suspect against direct play, Alisson with an unconvincing intervention outside his penalty area after the ball held up. He is fortunate that Wissa did not connect with the volley when there was a chance to lob the goalkeeper.

What a difference a year makes. Anthony Elanga was played in on goal against Aston Villa on his Premier League debut for Newcastle United 12 months ago. He looked nervous and hit a tame effort too close to the goalkeeper.

It is fair to say that was a sign of things to come for the winger who endured a miserable first season on Tyneside following a high-profile £55m move from Nottingham Forest. He looked drained of confidence and lacked the composure and technical ability to succeed in black and white stripes.

Fast forward 12 months and he has just taken a very similar chance against Liverpool. The speed of Will Osula sent the visiting defence into retreat, and his pace and excellent first touch set up the chance, which he finished clinically.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Elanga scores - Scott Heppell/Reuters

That was the player Eddie Howe thought he was signing last summer. It was the player Newcastle supporters thought was going to offer a major upgrade in the right wing position.

If Elanga has a better season this time around it will be a huge boost to new manager Matthias Jaissle.

04:42pm

10 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

Elanga vs Kerkez is a match-up which looks advantageous for Newcastle, the Liverpool left-back is at full tilt to get back and by a foul after a lofted Wissa pass over his head towards the rapid Sweden winger.

04:41pm

8 minutes: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0

This is a very open game already, and Liverpool are back on the front foot. Szoboszlai whips in a free-kick which appears to glance of Van Dijk’s head, but the referee awards a corner. Hall clears, but Newcastle do not clear their lines and Gakpo’s shot is blocked by Thiaw.

04:38pm

GOOOAAALL! Elanga with a classic counter-attack goal

Liverpool caught out on the break, but it is a really well-executed goal from Newcastle’s perspective. Gravenberch should have let fly at the other end, but after the move broke down Osula was able to receive in space and turn to face Van Dijk and Jacquet. He waited for the support of Elanga to arrive, and he burned down the outside of Kerkez. Well-weighted pass put him through, and the finish across Alisson was ideal.

04:36pm

4 minutes: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0

Lewis Hall wins a challenge at the edge of the box which receives a roar of approval from the crowd, but Liverpool quickly settle into a long spell of possession, with Gravenberch turning away from pressure, but neglecting to shoot.

04:34pm

2 minutes: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0

This already has the feel of a very helter-skelter game. Newcastle won a free-kick inside 20 seconds, clipped into the penalty area but it was claimed by Alisson. Then a Liverpool attack swept from one end to the other with Wirtz’s shot blocked at the edge of the box. This should be tasty.

04:32pm

KICK OFF!

That roar turns to vociferous boos as Alexander Isak takes the kick-off.

They would have still been clapping until tomorrow if the whistle hadn’t been blown by referee Stuart Attwell to start the game but the flip from adulation for Kevin Keegan to absolute vitriol towards Alexander Isak was incredible. 50,000 in black and white are singing a song aimed at him. The only two words we can get away with printing are “ole, ole!” - use your imagination for what might have preceded it!

04:31pm

Almost time for kick off

There is a minute’s applause for Keegan, which ends with a defending roar.

04:27pm

Very nicely done

Liverpool have just taken to the field for their warm up, predictably to a back drop of pantomime booing. But there is a nice touch from the club, as each member of Andoni Iraola’s squad is wearing a jersey with “Keegan 7” on the back. It’s going to be a day of heavy emotion.

Fans held up black and white cards with red in the away end - Sky Sports

Alan Shearer was one of those fans holding up a white card:

Newcastle’s record goalscorer in the stands - Sky Sports

04:25pm

Quite the display of Keegan tifos and banners

A Keegan tifo in the East Stand - Sky Sports

A banner in the away end - Sky Sports

The Keegan quote on the Newcastle banner is: “I want people to dream about their football club. They should, we should all be dreamers at heart. Some people are the opposite and say ‘we can’t do that’, but when you ask them why, they can’t give a reason. Well, I say, ‘Why not?’”

The banners on the Gallowgate End - Sky Sports

04:22pm

The tributes to Keegan will start shortly

Banners are being unfurled in the Gallowgate End. Alan Shearer and Stuart Pearce are in the stands, and Les Ferdinand is pitchside speaking on Sky.

04:09pm

Jaissle on preparation and Lewis Miley

As you know it’s a transition phase and a huge challenge. There will be some activity in the transfer market new week, hopefully, but we go for it, we are as ready as we can be. That’s something we want to show the fans, we want to go all in.

As soon as I saw him on the pitch, I was falling in love. He is a great guy with great potential.

Matthias Jaissle looks composed on the bench - Reuters/Lee Smith

04:09pm

Iraola on Isak’s welcome and his defensive selection

I’m not worried. As a manager, a player or a squad, if it is against you you want to play this kind of games.

Difficult call, Jeremy has very good skills with the ball, without the ball they will be very demanding today, playing against Wissa and Osula.

03:43pm

A Keegan shirt has been hung up in the dressing room

Keegan wore the number 7 as a player - Serena Taylor/Getty Images

03:39pm

The cards on fans seats at St James’

These cards feature a message from the Keegan family - Scott Heppell/Reuters

03:32pm

What Isak can expect at St James’

Alexander Isak is going to be in for the sort of hostile afternoon unseen in English football for years.

Not since Michael Owen has a player left Newcastle and been so universally despised. Owen was accused of ducking out of a relegation battle to ensure he secured a lucrative free transfer move after an injury-ravaged spell in the North East.

If anything, Isak was even worse, He went on strike, refusing to play for the club again, despite having three years left on his contract, in order to force a move to Liverpool. It felt like the ultimate betrayal and crossed a line with Geordies. They will love you and worship players as good as Isak, but if you behave like the Sweden international did you become the ultimate villain.

Isak was a superb player in black and white stripes, arguably their best since the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in 2021. He was top goalscorer two years running and was the focal point of Eddie Hower’s attack as they qualified for the Champions League twice and won the Carabao Cup.

Alexander Isak helped Newcastle win major silverware before engineering a move away - Andrew Couldridge/Reuters

He could have been a Geordie legend, but he left in such an ugly and acrimonious fashion. Isak forced Newcastle to buckle from their not for sale stance, rejecting a pay rise and a new contract, insisting he would never play for the club again even if they refused to sell him, that he will be tarnished forever.

It is sad in many ways and shows the ugly side of the game. I’m told he does regret the manner of his exit, especially his falling out with Howe. They have not spoken since. It has weighed heavily on him since his move to Anfield.

03:24pm

Liverpool team news: Isak starts against former club, debut for Jacquet

Looks like Rio Ngumoha will play on the right flank with Cody Gakpo left, Wirtz in the No 10 role behind Isak.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

03:20pm

Newcastle team news: A very attacking line-up by Jaissle

Barnes, Wissa, Osula and Elanga start in what could be a front four. Lewis Miley and Sean Steur, just 20 and 18 respectively, will need to get through an immense amount of work in midfield.

Newcastle United XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw (c), Botman, Hall; Miley, Steur; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula

03:17pm

Wreaths laid for Kevin Keegan

Sir Kenny Dalglish and Bobby Moncur are the representatives of both clubs with wreaths, and Shola Ameobi is behind Dalglish. Ian Rush is also in attendance, who spent one season on Tyneside in the twilight of his career when Dalglish was the manager.

There will be a powerful expression of unity between Newcastle United and Liverpool supporters in memory of their shared icon, Kevin Keegan, before this afternoon’s game.

A man who meant so much to both clubs: a phenomenal player for Liverpool and a force of nature who transformed Newcastle as both a player and a manager.

The cooperation between the two to ensure St James’ Park can deliver a special tribute to a remarkable figure in English football has been heartwarming.

Kenny Dalglish, Shola Ameobi and Bobby Moncur - Owen Humphreys/PA

Dalglish and Rush also have a link to Newcastle - Owen Humphreys/PA

03:12pm

Lack of local flavour

The sale of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan means that for the first time since Liverpool came into existence in 1892, the prospect of them going through the season without fielding a player who was born in the city for a game is real. That will surely sting Liverpool fans more than most, given the city’s strong sense of regional identity. You can read more on the subject in this article by Dominic King. Trent on loan in January, anyone?

03:09pm

The changes Jaissle made in first fortnight

He has also not sugar-coated anything. Jaissle knows he is up against it. Time is the enemy, given how late he arrived in pre-season and he understands the size of the task ahead.

These are early days, but the energy and purpose he has brought to the job have impressed everyone at all levels of the club. Clear communication is at the heart of everything. He explains what he expects, what he needs and what has to be done, no matter who the conversation is with.

03:00pm

St James’ Park to honour Kevin Keegan before fixture which delivers goals

It is fitting that Newcastle United vs Liverpool is a Premier League opening weekend fixture following the death of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75 last month.

All corners of St James’ Park will pay tribute and show their appreciation for the former player and manager who means a great deal to both sets of supporters.

Fans will find a printed message from the Keegan family on the back of black and white cards on their seat, which they will hold up to display a mural before kick-off.

As well as playing for both clubs, Keegan was Newcastle’s manager when they were beaten by a last-gasp Stan Collymore goal at Anfield in April 1996, a 4-3 defeat remembered as one of the great Premier League games.

This fixture usually delivers entertainment, and with new managers Matthias Jaissle and Andoni Iraola promising front-footed, ‘vertical’ football, there should be goals. That was certainly the case last August, when Newcastle fought back from two down with 10 men, before Rio Ngumoha scored a memorable winner.

It has been a summer of tumult for Newcastle, losing manager Eddie Howe, as well as key players Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimaraes. There has been bullish talk of “Newcastle 2.0” from David Hopkinson, the club’s chief executive, and the club believe they have found a promising coach, but fans have understandably revised expectations downwards.

Liverpool are a difficult team to read; champions only 18 months ago but brittle last season, which resulted in Arne Slot’s dismissal. Iraola’s appointment is a shift back towards Jurgen Klopp’s style. That will be music to the ears of Anfield regulars, but holes remain in the squad. Central midfield has not been replenished; they need a Mohamed Salah replacement, and their strength at full-back is questionable. Much will depend on how 21-year-old central defender Jérémy Jacquet fares alongside Vigin van Dijk but he impressed in pre-season.Full team news on the way shortly.

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