Liverpool's 2-2 Newcastle Draw Exposes Counterattack Flaw Under Iraola
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 23
Liverpool's 2-2 Newcastle Draw Exposes Counterattack Flaw Under Iraola
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 23
Summary
Newcastle repeatedly cut through Liverpool in the 2-2 opener, exposing the same transition weakness that plagued them last season despite Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty rescue.
Iraola's high-pressing setup left Ryan Gravenberch isolated, while attack-minded midfielders and advanced full backs repeatedly stranded Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet.
Liverpool now appear to need at least one holding midfielder before the transfer window shuts, with a center back and full-back cover also emerging as priorities.
Iraola is not expected to abandon his style, but the draw suggested he may need a short-term tactical adjustment until the squad is rebuilt to handle his system.