Sunday saw Matthias Jaissle take charge of his first ever competitive Newcastle United match.
The game ending in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
A controversial end to the game as with the scousers trailing, the referee somehow found five extra minutes, despite not a single time in the second half was a player treated for an injury on the pitch.
The penalty that was awarded at the very end of that far too lengthy added time also saw Liverpool get a huge slice of luck, Lewis Hall deemed to have fouled Victor Munoz in a very soft award by the referee. VAR failing to overturn it.
However, Matthias Jaissle can be well pleased.
I thought he was excellent with how he set up his team and how he conducted himself before and after the match, as well during it. Emotions running high with the Kevin Keegan tributes, then once the game kicked off it was packed with plenty of big moments.
Matthias Jaissle speaking to official club media after the 2-2 draw: “Frustration in the end, disappointment, but on the other hand overall positivity. What they showed over 90 minutes was excellent. Really good starting point and I am really proud to see a performance like that. Also the way the guys were, fully committed and a lot of intensity. The energy from the stands and we delivered on the pitch. A top starting point.”
Matthias Jaissle asked what he thought about the penalty award to Liverpool: “It is for a me a too soft penalty to give, it is difficult to digest, to understand the decision. But he [referee] decided this and it was tough for us, but if the referees are consistent with this approach, then you see too many penalties throughout the season.”
Matthias Jaissle asked how pleased he is with his the players have reacted to his methods: “Amazing, amazing. Good lads, really good group. Fully committed and this is the only way with the challenges we have. We really entered late in pre-season, we have a big transition period right now. It is a brave journey and starting like that I am really happy.”
Newcastle 2 Liverpool 2 – Sunday 23 August 2026 4.30pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Elanga 5, Willock 57
Liverpool:
Gakpo 55, Szoboszlai 90+9 pen
Possession was Newcastle 39% Liverpool 61%
Total shots were Newcastle 13 Liverpool 27
Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Liverpool 7
Corners were Newcastle 2 Liverpool 6
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 16 Liverpool 36
Newcastle United team v Liverpool:
Hornicek, Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Lewis Miley (Bamba 76), Steur (Ramsey 56), Elanga (Murphy 76), Barnes, Osula (Willock 56), Wissa (Schar 95)
Subs:
Jaouen, Toure, Woltemade, Shahar