Newcastle United produced a spirited and hugely entertaining performance at St James’ Park as they battled to a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, with Yoane Wissa emerging as one of the standout performers on an emotional opening Premier League weekend.
In a match played against the backdrop of a special tribute to Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan, the atmosphere inside St James’ Park was electric from the opening whistle. Newcastle showed plenty of energy, determination and attacking intent, refusing to allow the occasion or the quality of their opponents to overwhelm them.
For Wissa, it was an encouraging performance as he continues to settle into life on Tyneside.
The forward demonstrated exactly why Newcastle were so keen to bring him to the club, offering a constant threat through his movement, physicality and willingness to run in behind the Liverpool defence. Wissa repeatedly looked to stretch the visitors and gave Newcastle an attacking outlet whenever they won possession.
His performance was particularly encouraging given the quality of the opposition. Liverpool arrived on Tyneside with expectations of challenging at the top end of the Premier League, yet Newcastle were more than capable of going toe-to-toe with them for long periods.
Wissa’s ability to occupy defenders created space for those around him, while his work rate without the ball ensured Newcastle remained competitive when Liverpool attempted to build from the back.
The match itself ebbed and flowed, with both sides enjoying periods of control. Newcastle demonstrated a willingness to attack Liverpool rather than simply sit deep, and that approach was rewarded as the home side continued to create problems.
There was also a sense that this Newcastle side is beginning to develop an identity under Matthias Jaissle. The intensity, aggression and attacking ambition on display offered supporters plenty of encouragement for the months ahead.
However, the biggest frustration came deep into stoppage time.
With Newcastle seemingly on course to claim a famous opening-day victory, Liverpool were awarded a late penalty, denying the Magpies the opportunity to celebrate all three points. The final whistle eventually confirmed a 2-2 draw, leaving Newcastle with a mixture of pride and disappointment.
For Wissa, though, the afternoon provided plenty of positives.
His performance suggested that he can become an important component of Newcastle’s attack. His pace and movement give Jaissle another dimension going forward, while his willingness to work tirelessly makes him valuable even when he is not directly involved in the decisive moments.
The draw may ultimately feel like two points dropped given the circumstances, but Newcastle can take considerable encouragement from the performance.
Against one of the Premier League’s biggest sides, they showed character, quality and belief. Wissa’s display was another major positive, and if he can continue performing at this level, Newcastle supporters could have plenty to look forward to.
The season is only just beginning, but this was a performance that suggested Newcastle are ready for the challenge ahead.
And while the late penalty prevented a memorable victory, the spirit shown by the Magpies, and the emergence of Wissa as an exciting attacking threat, provided plenty of reasons for optimism.
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