In short
Super Sunday at St James’ Park ends Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool after a late penalty. Newcastle’s early lead is overturned by Liverpool, then Dominic Szoboszlai equalises in stoppage time after Lewis Hall concedes a penalty on Munoz. The episode also discusses broader tactical/transfer needs and other Premier League results.
Guest backgrounds
- Dominic Szoboszlai (Liverpool midfielder; scored the late penalty; discussed penalty nerves and Liverpool’s transition threats).
- Arne Slot? (No—Andoni Iraola is interviewed as Newcastle head coach; first league match in charge).
- Matthias Jaissle (Newcastle head coach; first home league game at St James’ Park; young squad focus).
- Johan Weisser (Newcastle winger/attacker; man of the match; new role as “number 10”).
- Additional studio analysts (Daniel, Micah, Gary, Peter, Meeks) provide tactical commentary.
Key claims
- Newcastle were “outstanding” and deserved the point despite Liverpool’s possession/XG edge.
- Penalty was “soft” per Newcastle, but defended as a foul (“knee on knee”) by others.
- Newcastle’s pace on counters (Alanga/Osula) repeatedly hurt Liverpool.
- Liverpool need more defensive balance (a defensive midfielder) to stop transitions.
Notable examples
- Alanga’s early sprint/finish for Newcastle; Gakpo equaliser; Willock’s quick second for Liverpool; Hall’s late challenge leading to Szoboszlai’s penalty.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOMatch Overview and Key Moments
0:45 to 2:31
A recap of the dramatic Newcastle vs Liverpool match with key plays.
“But Dominic Soberslay had the last say in that game with an immaculate penalty as a result of Hall's one errant moment.”
Newcastle's Performance Analysis
2:31 to 3:43
Discussion on Newcastle's intensity and performance during the match.
“Yeah, I thought Newcastle were absolutely outstanding.”
Liverpool's Tactical Approach
3:43 to 4:59
Insights into Liverpool's strategy and the challenges they faced.
“We talked about Newcastle, a new look, Newcastle.”
Game Statistics and Equalizer Analysis
4:59 to 6:34
Analysis of match statistics and the significant equalizing goal.
“All that gets underway at 6.30 with an 8 o 'clock kick-off at the Cottage.”
Dominic Szoboszlai's Penalty and Reaction
6:34 to 9:59
Szoboszlai discusses his penalty experience and the game atmosphere.
“I think the feeling of Daniel and Micah is that Newcastle were well worth the point this afternoon.”
Penalty Decision and Technique Discussion
9:59 to 12:22
Debate over the penalty decision and analysis of Szoboszlai's technique.
“But I mean, look, I mean, that's very easy to say, isn't it, with the slow motion replay?”
Manager Andoni Arola's Insights
12:22 to 14:00
Arola reflects on the match outcome and his team's effort.
“And therefore he's also thinking, well, I'm not going to now second get...”
Energy from the Bench
14:00 to 16:55
Discussion on player performance and the importance of bench energy.
“You said in one of your interviews about first half and second half, the intensity in the first half, you want to see that in the second half, is that what you saw today?”
Newcastle's Challenges and Positives
16:55 to 18:59
Newcastle's performance and transition phase under the new coach.
“I wanted to ask him, actually, when he's talking about finishing the plays, is he referring to them just shooting at the end of the action versus almost trying to create the perfect shot.”
Reflections on the Penalty Decision
18:59 to 21:09
Debate over the penalty awarded and its implications for future games.
“and the club, you've got some young players who thought they were excellent, especially Miley and Sturr in that midfield, I think in the end got a little bit tired, but how excited are you by this prospect?”
Show all 20 chapters
Tactical Decisions and Adaptations
21:09 to 24:43
Discussion on tactical choices, player roles, and adapting to opponents.
“four or five different decisions i could make here no we are really clear in our approach we're working in the principles.”
Midfield Challenges and Future Needs
24:43 to 28:00
Analysis of midfield dynamics and the need for a defensive midfielder.
“but there's talks about him potentially leaving.”
Liverpool's Midfield Dynamics
28:00 to 29:30
Discussion on the need for a defensive midfielder and Liverpool's attacking options.
“I agree with Daniel, they need a defensive midfielder who's willing to just stay and give that defensive line a little bit of protection.”
Post-Match Reactions from Johan Wisser
30:10 to 33:10
Johan Wisser shares his feelings on the game, team mentality, and tribute to Kevin Keegan.
“You're listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.”
Wisser's New Role and Team Dynamics
33:10 to 34:50
Wisser discusses his new role in the team and the impact of the new manager.
“But now, as I said, new manager, new role, and looking forward for this season.”
Analysis of Wisser's Performance
34:50 to 36:20
Discussion on Wisser's performance as a number 10 and his impact on the game.
“But yeah, a lot of energy, just keeping a lot of energy because you want a lot of energy and I think that's the word he gave it to me so I'm very happy with him.”
Tactical Analysis of Liverpool's Defense
36:20 to 40:10
Critique of Liverpool's defensive setup during counter-attacks and specific player roles.
“But for me, he was absolutely brilliant today.”
Speed and Strategy in Defense
40:10 to 42:00
Discussion on the psychological approach to defending against fast players and strategic positioning.
“So a lot of people will be saying Van Dijk should have stepped up there, But what he's trying to do is delay, delay, delay to get numbers back.”
Analyzing Player Performance and Strategy
42:00 to 43:59
Discussion on player positioning and tactical decisions in a recent match.
“Because of the way the play was developing, he didn't know what to do.”
Match Reactions and Player Decisions
44:03 to 50:40
Reflections on earlier games, player performances, and managerial decisions.
“Well, whilst you were watching the commercials, Tino Aspria joined us.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:05You're listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Welcome along. The opening Super Sunday of the season took us to St. James's Park, where two new managers were in charge for Newcastle against Liverpool. This is how things sounded when the final whistle blew.
0:26Well, maybe that one's for you, King Kev. That sort of drama, that sort of narrative. Hall is broken from a human perspective you feel for him because his contribution to the Newcastle cause was monumental. He had a wonderful game. But Dominic Soberslay had the last say in that game with an immaculate penalty as a result of Hall's one errant moment. Elanga had sparked the piece with a terrific sprint of a finish very very early on. Gakpo with the original equaliser quickly rendered seemingly meaningless by Willick bouncing off the bench to re-establish Newcastle's lead. But as Lewis Hall continues to plead some sort of innocence the reality is that a penalty was given against him.
1:30Dominic Sobberslay equalised. And Gary, they share it. Yeah, and that's the life of a full-back. You can beat your man defensively one-on-ones or your attacker one-on-one for the whole game, but he can do you once and you feel like that. I don't think when he looks back, I think he knows deep inside that it was a penalty. But I think if you just said at the start of today, travelling up to Newcastle, Peter, that Newcastle would play like that, that they would commit themselves to the game that they would be 2-1 up with a couple of minutes to go and they would get a point against Liverpool they probably would have accepted it they've done themselves proud and you're right the story today was that incredible tribute to Kevin Keegan before the game it was memorable that it really was from both sets of fans and he'll be disappointed but I think when he looks back at the video he'll realise that his team have put a good performance in there and so in the finest Keegan-esque traditions of this famous fixture it ends Newcastle United 2, Liverpool 2 and King Kev would have loved it Thank you Gary, thank you Peter a dejected Lewis Hall shakes hands with the Liverpool players have to concede in that late penalty and Andonija at Ola's side have got a point in his first league match in charge and it feels like we really at this moment should just start with that man's side there Mathias Yashler's side because whilst it feels deflated and feels flat and there feels anger in here there's so much for them to be positive about after that isn't there?
3:18Yeah, I thought Newcastle were absolutely outstanding. I think the intensity, the substitutions that the manager made, and they stayed in the game. Of course, Liverpool is going to have possession within the game. But could you stay in it? They did exactly that. They get the second goal, and you're just thinking, can they hold out? It took, you know, a decision at the end. Someone say it's soft. Someone say it was fully deserved. But that doesn't take anything away from the performance. I thought they were excellent. We talked about Newcastle, a new look, Newcastle. It's a young side, very energetic team, and it will take so much confidence away from that performance.
3:54Because as we said at the start, Daniel, you know, both sides are unknowns with new managers or whatever. Probably fair to say there was maybe more concern around the Newcastle fan base than the Liverpool fan base. Therefore, that's why it feels like there's a lot more positivity for the Newcastle fans to take away. Absolutely.
4:12Daniel Sturridge:I mean, I think Iriola will be relieved to get a draw. It was a difficult game for Liverpool to control. Whilst they were in control in regards to possession in large parts and were prying and prying, that threat of Newcastle on the counter-attack was devastating. It was blistering. Whistle was popping up in pockets all over the pitch. Sula's pace on the break alongside Alanga caused a lot of problems for Liverpool. And you could see that Isak was dealt with in the central areas. There wasn't loads of creativity from Liverpool's attack and it seemed as if the midfield was where they were searching for.
4:47Daniel Sturridge:But Munoz came unchanged, the game looked really sharp on the right-hand side and I think ultimately, you know, Liverpool will take a draw. The Newcastle players just starting to leave the pitch. They've had applause from all four sides to the ground as they head off at the end of, well, not quite the end of course, but the end of Super Sunday, not the end of the opening weekend full of Chelsea still to come on Monday Night Football. All that gets underway at 6.30 with an 8 o 'clock kick-off at the Cottage. But today wins for Brighton convincingly at home to Aston Villa. And Manchester City, who came from a goal down at home to Bournemouth, to win that late on.
5:27And there was a late, late equaliser here at St James' Park for Andoni Arola's Liverpool.
5:39finished all square here at St James's Park Anthony Alanga early on with his first Premier League goal for Newcastle had given them the lead and then into the second half it was Cody Gakpo who got the equaliser for Antoni Iraola's side and then a mere 99 seconds later after kick-off the ball was in the back of the Liverpool net once again Joe Willock with that and Matthias Jasler would have thought all three points were going Newcastle's way right into second half stoppage time but then Lewis Hall with that challenge on Munoz concedes the penalty Dominic Saboslay scores it and it's a point each for the two sides at the start of this new season the stats would indicate that Liverpool dominated more expected goals, more shots and more possession.
6:3361 % to 39. I think the feeling of Daniel and Micah is that Newcastle were well worth the point this afternoon. And let's get some reaction from the Liverpool camp. The man who got the penalty in second half stoppage time, Dominic Suboslay with Pat. Well, Dominic, as pressure penalties go, I would say that was right up there, but you looked calm as could be. How did you feel inside? Because it was quite a long wait stood over it as well. Yeah, and to be honest, I didn't even hear the whistle of the ref, so I had to look at him that if I can go. So obviously he was looking at me, I was thinking, OK, it's time to go.
7:17Now I was practising a lot in the pre-season, obviously we didn't have had any, but in the training so thanks for the second and third goalies to be there for me. But yeah, take the positivity of the game, first game of the season, we move on. But no amount of practice in training can prepare you for that kind of hostile atmosphere, can it? That you just have to, I don't know, test your nerve, I guess, believe in yourself. Yes, it's different. I don't know how many in the stadium, 50 ,000 against you. Actually, you can't hear your own voice, but that's why we love football, that's why I love football, that's why I'm doing it.
8:03As I said before we move on. What was the emotion inside this stadium like for a player today? It felt extra special with the really moving tribute that both clubs played to the great Kevin Keegan before the match? Obviously, to come here is always a tough game, first game of the season away in Newcastle. Everybody knows, obviously, the fans are unbelievable. They have a great team, a good manager. Obviously, new, but he showed himself in many other clubs. so we were prepared, but I think we, with the new manager as well, we need to get even more closer to each other. We need to know what's going on during the game, but it's a good step, actually, after a 2-1, come back into the game and prepare again for next week.
8:59Did you feel like you should have won? Certainly had enough of the ball, enough chances to win it?
9:07If I'm honest, yes. I think we were able to win. But yeah, that's football. You don't win easy in the Premier League, it doesn't matter against who you play. They were a good team, scored two transition goals. So yeah, this is the things we have to be aware of and we have to take care in the next weeks as well. What did you learn today? That we will never give up. That's for sure I can guarantee. We have to fight every time, all day long, during the 95 minutes. Everybody who comes off the bench, as you see today, they made a big impact as well. We've already made a penalty in the Premier League.
9:56We need the whole squad and we have to be ready. Thank you Thanks Well it was a characteristic Of their football last season Under Arnaz Were late Late goals Would you have given this If you were Stuart Atwell Late in the game Look A penalty is a penalty Loose holes Very unlucky But when the ball goes in there He does catch him And Manozzi does really well He tries to Anticipate Where he's going to go And then he just Leaves his leg in there You just see it here That he just Tries to anticipate but it's too late and yes it's harsh yet a lot of people will be saying this is not a penalty but if you see there he catches his knee it's knee on knee it's a foul
10:36Daniel Sturridge:it's a penalty it's knee on knee isn't it he's shifted his body to the side and he's got a little knock on him and of course as the attacker any little touch you get when you're going at pace and you're jinking and you're jiving it's going to put you off balance and thoroughly deserve a penalty if you ask me it's easy to say with the hindsight of slow motion stuff, but Harvey Barnes was probably getting back on it. He was going to cover, wasn't he? He was going to cover on the outside. But I mean, look, I mean, that's very easy to say, isn't it, with the slow motion replay? Yeah, I mean, it was one of those where he was beaten, and it looks like he could have got in there.
11:12But once that's happened, he's in his stride, isn't he? Munoz there. So maybe he would have got in front anyway. It's easy to look now and say he would have covered round, but it was definitely a penalty. Let's just take a look at Dominic Bozlai's penalty technique. when you look at his career penalty record you know where it's going don't you Daniel but it's unstoppable
11:36Daniel Sturridge:literally unstoppable the way in which he strikes the ball is pure guides it but with power and I think that is one of the hardest things to do get connection on the ball consistently and put it in a place the only player I can ever remember training with like that consistently would put it in the exact spot. Players from Chelsea would know. Kalu, at training, would always hit the top corner in training. And you can see what Subbers lie. And it's not a case of going, I'm changing for the keeper. I think in today's time, you get your statistics. Hey, look, the keeper dives this way. They get the statistics and they'll know that Subbers lie goes that way.
12:16Daniel Sturridge:He doesn't care. I've got the ability. I trust my ability. I'm putting it where I want to put it. And he consistently goes there. And I'm not going to... And therefore he's also thinking, well, I'm not going to now second get... because the goalkeeper knows where he's going to go, so he'll trust his technique. It's almost like the keeper has to make a decision and go, I'm going to stand closer to that side and almost play a little cat and mouse game because you can see exactly where he wants to go, and here comes the boss. Adonio Arola joins us. Thank you very much for joining us. At the end of that, what did you make of it?
12:47Andoni Iraola:It's not the result you wanted before the game, but obviously finishing scoring in the last minute, it gives you a better taste probably. I don't think we deserve to lose the game today and I value the effort from the players. They never gave up and at the end it arrived and we could recover at least one point. So you didn't think you deserved to lose it? Do you think you deserved to win it or was that about a fair result for you? I think we, I'm sure I haven't looked at the stats but I'm sure we will have more chances, more everything. You did, yeah. It's a little bit unfair in terms that they've gone winning very early so they will say, okay, it was our turn to attack and then it's conditioned but overall definitely I think we've had the better chances in the game, yes.
13:27Daniel Sturridge:Well, I'm going to tell you, your XG was 2.73 and theirs was 1.43. You said in your interview you don't buy too much into XG. I actually agree with you on that. But did it feel like a 2.73 XG to you during the game?
13:41Andoni Iraola:I think we were arriving, probably in the first half, we were not finishing anything. We were having a lot of balls on the edge and we were trying to overplay a little bit and we had just to shoot, shoot, even the first goal we conceded, I think Ryan is in a great position to shoot, great edge of the box, finish play, we don't finish it and then they punish us in the counter. You said in one of your interviews about first half and second half, the intensity in the first half, you want to see that in the second half, is that what you saw today? Yes, I think the players coming from the bench gave us energy.
14:15Andoni Iraola:I don't know if they played better, worse, but they gave us energy and you can feel, the way we want to play, everyone is not going to last 90 minutes. So we need this energy from the ones coming from the bench and I think today it happened.
14:30Daniel Sturridge:And you know this is a difficult place to come. Obviously the occasion was incredible today. And you're a manager who, to me, seems as if you're flexible and adaptable to the players you have. And I listened to, again, about resting in possession and wanting to almost control the game that way. In regards to the counterattacks today, with the control you had, because your possession was 61%, did you feel as if you almost had that control that you would have liked to have seen? Was there maybe moments where you would have liked the players to be a bit more aggressive in stopping counterattacks, maybe making fouls or whatever it may be?
15:09Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, definitely, I think, when you can see two goals. I think overall we played a lot in their half.
15:14Andoni Iraola:I think we had good possessions, good moments of long faces of us on the ball, that is what we want. But I think the first one is probably more difficult to defend because it's basically a Langa going all the way, super fast player. Probably the mistake is more in we should have finished because we were in a great position to finish the play. The second one, I think we had the numbers and we don't, as you say, probably a foul, probably because we had the numbers to defend that transition. We've been talking even half-time. But sometimes you have to finish the play, try to win the ball or make a foul.
15:51Andoni Iraola:And probably it's more difficult to accept. The first one, OK, it's a great run, it's difficult to defend it. Probably the mistake comes from not finishing the play. When you concede goals on the counter-attack like that, is that a personnel situation where you have so many players who are offensive thinking and want to get there? Or is that just learning to be a little bit more disciplined? Or is that a personnel issue and you need something different in your midfield? I think it was probably we talked about Newcastle. It's probably their biggest strength. Their top three players and the subs, if not the fastest in the league, will be second or third.
16:30Andoni Iraola:And it's a big threat. And we've been talking all the way, preparing all the week. And it's true. We have to finish more plays, I think. We were trying to overdo too much in the first phase. And in the second one, I think we had the numbers and we don't defend properly. And also, we have to give credit to them because it's not easy goals that they scored. OK, thank you very much for joining us, Andoni. Thank you. Appreciate it. Go well. Thank you. Does that make a lot of sense to you?
16:59Daniel Sturridge:It does, yes. I wanted to ask him, actually, when he's talking about finishing the plays, is he referring to them just shooting at the end of the action versus almost trying to create the perfect shot. But again, we're talking about Liverpool. Now we've got to talk about Newcastle. We see the new coach here joining us. How are you doing? Matthias, thank you very much for joining us. How are you at the end of that and your first experience of a home league game in St James' Park? Well, it was a tough end. Hard luck, I would say. In general, I'm really, really happy with the performance after such a short amount of time.
17:36The guys were fighting till the end. They put their heart on the pitch and this is something we said that's not negotiable. That's the standard. And together with the crowd, it was in general a really good performance. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the full three points. What is the atmosphere like in that dressing room then? Because as you say, there are probably lots of positives for you and yet this sense of disappointment at the end of that because of how it finished? Yeah, it's of course the fact that the heads are a little bit down, but they're also realistic. They know that we had many, many challenges already.
18:16There's a huge transition phase at the moment, but we tried already encouraged them that this is another part where we got some challenges to overcome. Someone was throwing a little bit, some stones on the way. Who was that? I need to be careful, I heard that already, not to get fines. You're learning quickly. On the penalty, do you accept it? I think you call it here a really soft one. Yes, it was soft. It was a really soft one. And, you know, if you give that, then there will be so many penalties in the future. I'm not a fan of that, I have to say. I disagree, but more I cannot say. You said about transition.
19:00and the club, you've got some young players who thought they were excellent, especially Miley and Sturr in that midfield, I think in the end got a little bit tired, but how excited are you by this prospect? Yeah, it's brave. It's a brave project, but I like that. I like that challenge. Now working with young lads, and you're right, in the end they were tired. Luis Miley just came back from an injury. Sean Sturr, you see that the Premier League is something else. But he did an amazing job. It's just now getting adapted to that league and then we can go through.
19:38Daniel Sturridge:I really enjoyed watching Stern. I could see that you've given him the belief to receive the ball in the defence and in the build-up play, building with the three as well. I really enjoyed seeing a young midfielder do that. Talk to me about the attacking areas now. Seeing Wisse play number 10 was a difference for me. and my thought was okay, Osula's pace and the counter-attacking transition is maybe the decision but I'm not the coach in Newcastle, you are so I'd love to know why that decision was made But you're smart so you could be my assistant We're around the same age I'll ask for a big transfer It was indeed the thought behind that we knew that there will be space to attack the first half Will was having the chance actually to score.
20:28It was a tight situation. We had that transition moments and with Ken Bley on the 10, we knew that before. Sometimes he does that in the national team, so I think it was a good link, good combination between the two of them. You talk about your new players in the Premier League being different. For you as a coach, as a head coach, does it feel different? yes because of the the crowd here uh unbelievable and of course the quality in the game you feel that every situation can be decisive every change can be decisive and this is something i really enjoy so i'm looking forward now so when you're in that technical area are you thinking there are four or five different decisions i could make here no we are really clear in our approach we're working in the principles.
21:19You saw many of them today already. And you can adjust within the game. If you plan everything ahead, you still need to have the flexibility to adjust things if needed. And that will be our approach now for the season. And no matter where you're coaching in the world, people like me will always ask this as you get to the end of a transfer window. Are you expecting more business between now and the end of it? I hope so. Yeah? Yes. I mean, today the lads were doing amazing. a young squad, unbelievable, but we have some needs. We know that internally and we keep that also internally. How many would you like?
21:57You can count that on one hand, I would say. Matthias, that took a while. Matthias, thank you very much for joining us. Really appreciate it. Thank you. That was very interesting on the counter.
22:16Daniel Sturridge:I was thinking on a scale of one to five, is it one or is it five? You would expect it to be nearer the five? Again, that's what was interesting about it because they're keeping it internally. I actually don't know what he would need. I think today would probably have given him a lot more confidence in what he has and maybe for the ownership group and everybody involved in the club watching, that would have give them excitement and I think for him you know even talking about the counter attack before the game we did talk about the selection and Visser number 10 again was a surprise for me but I guess we run the same wavelength in terms of the pace of Osula I think when you're coming up against you know arguably the team who dominates possession which Liverpool did today with 60 plus percent possession it shows you that you do need that outball and maybe that's gone nowadays where you alright get it down the channels back in the days you'd be like, oh, get down to channels.
23:11Daniel Sturridge:We'll take a bit out of the game. I think that you could see with the pace that Newcastle have, he's leaning into that. And I appreciate that because it shows an awareness of I'm actually trying to get the best out of the players I've got, not having the players necessarily fit into what I'm trying to do. And I appreciate that more from a coach than maybe someone who goes, I'm just doing it my way and you have to fit into my system. Do you sense from both of them, interesting what you both think here of a sort of obviously things that need to be worked on for both yeah but maybe just a quiet satisfaction maybe even just a sense of relief that the first one is done and they haven't neither of them have lost well it's very difficult isn't it because it's the first game of the season the players are not even fit yet i think you normally true fitness going into a premier league season is probably after five games the way the game panned out Liverpool 2-1 down, late doors.
24:06Of course they will take a draw. But then you speak to him, you look at the stats, and he says they deserve to win. If you look at the young manager, with the squad he had available to him to get a draw, and it wasn't a dominant performance, but he was always in the game on the transition. So I think both managers will certainly be happy, but both managers will want to improve. You can't go into a Premier League season with just young players. Sturwood was good, I thought, at times. He tired. Mairi's a good player as well, but he's also a youngster. They had Visser, who was playing as a number 10.
24:37He'd want probably a natural number 10. Probably don't want to go into the rest of the season with just Osula and Visser up front. I know they've got Valtemada, but there's talks about him potentially leaving. So there's loads of different things that the managers will want to change going forward before the window closes. Which is also why I kind of asked Andoni Ural that question about whether it was just the mindset of the players, whether it might be a personnel thing to try and for them to stop being hit on the counter attacks when you look at Liverpool what are you seeing with nine days of the window left?
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25:07Daniel Sturridge:I think the team needs a defensive midfielder personally we've been talking about the defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the last three years and I think Grava Birch and coming into the team playing consistently in Liverpool winning the Premier League sort of changed that philosophy but if you actually analyse the midfield they're all naturally more attacking players. And, for instance, if you look at someone like a Brentford, they bring in Sangare, right, and you look at the stats, they jump out on the page. Third in interceptions, third in tackles, third in, I think it was possessions, recovered.
25:42League on player of the,
25:44Daniel Sturridge:or in the league on team of the season. Exactly, right. And for me, 30, what was it? 39 million, I can't remember how much it was. 39 million. 39 million in power. You sort of think to yourself, that's not a load of money for someone like Liverpool. I'm not suggesting that But the stats jump out the page. And you think, Liverpool don't have that profile of player right now. Trenioni, I really, really like him as a player. I think he's brilliant. He's more of a ball-playing six, a ball-playing eight. He's not a destroyer. He's not someone who's going to strike fear into the opposition like a Sangare can or like a N 'Golo Kante over the years.
26:16Daniel Sturridge:I also think that, if I'm being honest, Subasla, I think, is probably better as a 10. I really do. I'm just being honest now because I actually think he strikes the ball well. He sets the press very well. And all in all, I think he's a more offensive-minded player. When you talk about the counter-attack and the goal that they conceded, what were you saying, Mieks? You were saying there's too much space in the centre-field. But then what do you do with Verts in that city? They all have these, obviously, like any decision, it all has a knock-on effect. It does have a knock-on effect, but Verts, for me, is very similar to Coutinho.
26:48Daniel Sturridge:Coutinho was a left midfielder or a left winger and also a midfielder. I think towards when he got older, more mature, more seasoned, he became a 10, he became an 8. But he wasn't that when he first came to the club. Yes, he played 10 from time to time, but he settled as a winger. I'm unsure if the way Liverpool are set up right now, that having Verts, having Graverberch, having Subberslay, having McAllister, having Traneone, I think it's quite an offensive midfield. And I think if you are looking to challenge over the years, maybe this season they won it two years ago, maybe that's an anomaly and that's changed more the belief in regards to signing new players, but I really do like those players, I just...
27:31I think it all depends on, you've got to look at the context, haven't you? Virts is 100 million so you said he's going to start if you play him on the left hand side in the Premier League, defensively he'll get exposed, when he plays in the 10 at times they get overrun in midfield, so maybe the need yeah i think the balance in midfield is not right i think graven birch is one of them players who likes to run with a ball i think verts is the one who likes to get on the ball and make things happen and go in little areas and all that but he's having to do too much running in the other way and i think sabos light is completely right he can play anywhere in that forward line and his first thought is how can i get forward not how can i get back his work rate gets him out of trouble because he gets work all the time because he's got that energy but when you talk about But the balance in midfield, it doesn't seem to be right.
28:21I agree with Daniel, they need a defensive midfielder who's willing to just stay and give that defensive line
28:27Daniel Sturridge:a little bit of protection. And by the way, we're looking at the reports and they're saying left winger. For me, you can play Gatpour. You've got Vert, you've got Ngomoua, who for me is a better left winger at this age. When you're young, I remember playing on the wing as a young player, left foot player at Man City on the left wing. it's so difficult when you're not as strong as the player you're going up against maybe you've got the ability you can go either way whatever but there's something about for me if I'm buying a winger and I'm Liverpool I'm saying I'd rather go right wing where I've got options left you can play Verts left you can play him central you can play Gakpo we've seen what he can do today we can see Rio I think Munoz look very very sharp today but Mo Salah's got 20 plus goals this season off the wing.
29:10Daniel Sturridge:We know we're trying to get Isak firing, but I think you need another right winger. I'm not sure about bringing in a left winger personally. More reactions come from here at St. James's Park, where that late Dominic Sabozlai penalty rescued a point for Andone Ereola's side. Finished 2-1 here. We'll be back in a couple of minutes.
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30:01Daniel Sturridge:Now that is world class. Stream Sky Sports on now today. Right now. 18 plus UK only. Broadband 2.5 megabits per second required. Full time supply. You're listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game. Disappointment for Newcastle as we went into injury time here at St James' Park as Lewis Hall conceded a penalty to Liverpool, which gave Andoni Irelis side a last gasp equaliser. Johan Wisser was man of the match though and afterwards he spoke to Patrick Deggson. Johan, a good day but so close to being a great day. Is it hard not to feel gutted to be honest?
30:47Yes, of course, of course this rush, especially 32nd before the end of the game. But that's a huge step for us. That's the mentality we need to have all through the season. and the manager came three weeks ago, four weeks ago, so he gave us a lot of information. So now we show on the pitch that we are ready for the season. But yeah, as you said, we need this win to make a statement, in the end we draw, but yeah, we have so much to work on. Going back to the start, it was an unforgettable day. Was it one of those days, I'm talking about the tribute to Kevin Keegan, where it underlined what a special football club it is that you play for.
31:31Of course, of course. What a special club. What a special man. So that's why we give him a big credit. And I think he's been unbelievable. The fans have been unbelievable today. And I think we give them so much today. And that's what now we need to give them the whole season. Did that emotion just turbocharge you all, especially in the early part of the match? Of course, of course. We know we needed it. to give them something after the tribute. That's why we try to start fast. I will say thank you to all the fans because they pushed us until the end, but we're lucky we get the penalty at the end.
32:11I'm going to give you this Player of the Match award in a minute. Was that your best performance in the black and white shirt? We didn't really see the real Johan Wieser last season. Yes, it's the best. Even I didn't score today. I assist my teammate, but he's the best so far. New manager, new role. I'm so pleased to be here and today I hope I show that I'm really happy. But that's only the standard I need to keep for all the season. You had a good World Cup and the sense was you had a decent pre-season. How determined have you been to reset and show what you're capable of? Of course, the World Cup helped me a lot.
32:50You know, play with the national team, with the mate. I've been playing with them for the last four years, so they know me and I know them. So it's been a lot of confidence game, a lot of goals, a lot of emotion. But yeah, now the pass is behind. Of course, he gave me a big push to step up this season in Newcastle, black and white shot. But now, as I said, new manager, new role, and looking forward for this season. So how crazy a pre-season has it been with players coming, going, manager changing? It must sort of spin your head a little bit as one of the guys staying. Of course, of course, it's really important the pre-season.
33:29Everyone knows for the body, for the confidence, and especially to talk with the guys, make some mistakes because the pre-season allows that, making mistakes, and just have some work to do. But for the body, of course, it's really important. But yeah, now I had a good pre-season. first game at home against Liverpool with you. But I think we need to be proud of this team because they've been young lads. First game for a few of them. So, yeah, I'm very happy. And of course, you can't say no to this, but do you get a good feeling from the new manager? He seems to have impressed the players in the time that he's had, the short time.
34:08Yeah, he's young. He's young. He's got a lot of energy. And yeah, I'm really happy that he's here. and I think with the new role he gave me, it gave me a lot of confidence. Now I'm one of the leaders, so I need to back him because on the pitch sometimes we can't hear him, but I think he trusts me to make sure that the guys are always on the lot. Just lastly then, tell us a bit about that new role that you have and what he expects from you. He expects me everything, to be a leader, to lead the group. as having guys are short today, winning the balls, making sure that everyone is on alert. Every time thinking forward, trying to go for the kill and sometimes just be calm.
34:53But yeah, a lot of energy, just keeping a lot of energy because you want a lot of energy and I think that's the word he gave it to me so I'm very happy with him. Disappointment in the last seconds there but overall a positive day and as I said earlier, you are the player of the match. Well done. Thank you very much, he's my first one since I've played in the Premier League so he's really proud. Including Brentford? Including Brentford. It's the first one. Well done, you. Thank you very much. Well done. Thank you. Well done, you. Wow, that's lovely. We've been having a few of them.
35:22He said several times in that. New manager, new him. That's the most minutes he's played in a game for Newcastle. It's only his ninth start for Newcastle. And as you said to Matthias Yesler when he was with us, he reveled in that role.
35:40Daniel Sturridge:very much did and you know what surprised they didn't get a man of the match because he scored about 19 goals for Brentford but for me playing a number 10 is very different than playing as a 9 because your role is essentially to create, yes to score but to create, to be that glue between the midfield and the attack and for me he played that role perfect today, driving the ball forward doing little tricks here and there holding it up, not forcing it either as you can see there, making a run, touch and move and maybe that could have been a goal. And that was at 2-1 as well. It was, yes. And he'll be disappointed, you know, because when you get opportunities as an attacker, you want to take every single one of them.
36:21Daniel Sturridge:But for me, he was absolutely brilliant today. Yeah, I just think, you know, watching his clips there, his positions he was taking up was very clever because normally when you're playing number 10, you're up against someone and you're trying to find the space, there's no space. Actually, what he was doing was going a little bit deeper then driving with the ball so the midfield didn't know what to do the defense was like do do i jump or not and i couldn't quite figure it out and then like you said when he goes from number 10 and then there's one who can run him behind i just thought his overall game was fantastic especially with the season he had last year as well because you know what it's like as footballers you're not scoring fans are on your back you know you can do better he knows the standard he set last season wasn't good enough but to have a game like that and the first game in the Premier League will do the world for his confidence I mean the other thing that he had actually was he had a decent World Cup for Fidiol Kongo and Alanga actually had a really good World Cup for Sweden and I'm sure there'll be several Premier League clubs who will benefit from some of their players coming back who had really good World Cups I know you're critical on the Alanga goal though Mike of the Liverpool defending but he took it well yeah I think and Studge I think he said it at half time in terms of he's not got that much time to think sometimes when you go forward and they've got too much time to assess the situation you overthink it rather than hit it on this occasion look at his blistering pace the weight above Masula's perfect one touch and then finish people talk about Alisson's I've not spoke to Joe I'll have to speak to Joe out tonight but I think he's too far left which opens up the angle but let's not take anything away from the finish well hearty we're going to wait to hear what you have to say to meeks about that but you know I think for Liverpool you know Cody Gatpool in a central area here we were used to seeing him play there from time to time during his career at Liverpool but listen the turn and the finish the accuracy of that you used to seeing him cut inside and people will question oh is he predictable at times he can be but in that central area he did not think twice pick the ball up and he let it fly yeah i obviously liverpool was was growing into the game but again the balance of midfield this is this is the awareness this is actually nothing to do with positioning because we're actually in the position but you've got to take the foul there and and that is what iraola was talking to us about me he's talking about the first one fair enough nothing i can do about it but here meets we're talking about the bodies in that central area yeah i i just think tactically it's not good enough from liverpool's point of view this His touch from Willock, though, is great, isn't it?
38:58Yeah, and he just keeps it close to his body and then opened out and finishes. Absolutely brilliant. But look at the pass from Visser there. Timing was great. Finish was exquisite.
39:08Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, and you know what? Credit to the manager as well for bringing Willock on instant impact. I know you have a question for him on counterattacks. Yes. I don't mind Liverpool got done twice on them. Absolutely. I mean, the first goal, right, we talked about there not necessarily being a way to stop it per se. but what I'd like to know right is is when we looked at that counter-attack Liverpool had their four defenders in place and in my mind I've always sort of thought okay typically it's a three two centre-halves one of the full-backs and a defensive midfielder in front but dealing with a counter-attack with four in defence what would you say is your preference and from your experiences what is easier to deal with?
39:50I think it all depends on the situation. So where the counter-attack came from, it was strange because you had Kerkhez who was left back, but he wasn't all the way in. You probably want your left back maybe to come across, but it's your midfield. If all your midfield go and try and crash the box, then you leave yourself exposed. So a lot of people will be saying Van Dijk should have stepped up there, But what he's trying to do is delay, delay, delay to get numbers back. The reason I would like to go with three and then one in front, because then you can go wide, you can force them wide, so you're protecting the middle of the pitch.
40:28Once it goes wide, then everyone can shuffle across. When you go four, and then you sort of leave yourself exposed if the timing's not right. So that's why you see Kerkhez. He didn't know where to jump. He's in midfielders in front of him, and he was like, okay, I'm a little bit late now. So then he's tried to run back and he gets caught out. But then if you're being really critical, you can say they could be higher. But that's something that they've not worked on, defence and midfield, and it was obvious that today. Although I think Gary said that in commentary, didn't he? That if that was Arsenal, they'd have been...
41:02Yeah, but that's a difference though. Because they're drilled to... They're drilled to engage. Sometimes, ideally, you want... And Man City do it really well. So in that situation, you'll see their centre-raft going really high and try and strangle into that position. But what happens then, if one ball goes over, and like Alanga's pace, you're sort of liable for that counter-attack. So the reason why he didn't is because it was too far, the timing was off, and then he tried to delay.
41:30Daniel Sturridge:I want to just, sorry, Mike, I have one more question about the psychology behind the defending though, right?
41:40Daniel Sturridge:of the fastest in the Premier League so if you're having a foot race with me in in my mind I'm saying in Langa I'm gonna win right does the defender take into account the site the speed of the player they're playing against correct and then also is there a way of trying to negate or stop like Give yourself a yard. But he had two yards? No, no, but... Do you know what I mean? Because of the way the play was developing, he didn't know what to do. He got caught out. If you're in doubt, go back. Because you can always get people back to support you and help you. But he got caught in two miles. Now he finds himself in a race.
42:24You're not going to win a race of a langer. Just give yourself five yards and try and get people back as soon as possible. But it does play into your mind. When I played against fast wingers... Like Gareth Bale, I was thinking, like, first thought was Gareth Bale. If I was playing Gareth Bale, I would just say, have the ball. Let him turn on it there, and I'm going to get in position and try to get midfield. But I do not want to be here and get into a race with Gareth Bale because if he turns and beats you, it's going to make you look stupid. And that is the things about the discipline. And that's the speed of a langer.
42:53And that is the speed of a langer. And that's why you want someone on the pitch. It doesn't always have to be Van Dijk. It's got to be someone in the middle of the park to say, you can go now, you can stay now but at the moment they're not getting the balance right a two-all draw here at St James' Park two other games earlier today and there were home wins in both just about for Enzo Maresca and Manchester City against Bournemouth, very comprehensively for Fabian Herzler and Brighton against Villa we'll round up everything that's happened next
43:36The football season is back and you can keep across all the action on Sky Sports with 1 ,500 live games available for you to watch this season. That includes 80 % of all televised Premier League games, plus matches in the WSL, EFL and Scottish Premiership. If you're not already a Sky customer and want to sign up, Head to sky.com to get all the details. Now, though, let's get back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Well, whilst you were watching the commercials, Tino Aspria joined us. Sometimes you want to play it cool. Sometimes you just can't play it cool. And when Tino arrives, we were proper fanboys there.
44:22And off he went. Right, let's focus on the earlier games. because Guardiola got a late winner for Manchester City in Enzo Marescu's first league game in charge of the club. Here's all the reaction from their 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Enzo, a bit of drama for your first home game. What was key in the way you guys stepped up in the second half and pushed for those two goals?
44:51Andoni Iraola:To be honest, I think even first half we were good before the goal we conceded. We didn't concede one shot, we had three or four clear chances to score. Then they scored the goal and then became a bit more difficult. But overall I think we deserved to win the game. We did many things in a right way and I think second half I had the feeling that we really get the momentum on our side. But at the end it's about one corner, we defended not well and then the Gopen got open again and the second goal we were too passive in our box and then it's just a question of time that a team with this quality find the space to score.
45:39About Mark Gerri, could you talk us through the decision-making process of starting him in that central midfielder position?
45:46Andoni Iraola:Yeah, we are looking for a solution. I knew Mark since he was at Palace. I really like him. and I think that he can be midfielder also. He can be a central defender step in, or he can play as a midfielder like today. I think it's fair to say that a lot of people were surprised to see you starting in midfield. I mean, yeah, so was I. But, you know, it was just the idea that the manager had. We worked on it in the week, and, you know, I think he's trying different things, trying different solutions for the team, and, you know, I'm glad today it paid off in the end. There were some reports that Man City reached an agreement about Boadi.
46:28I just wanted to see if there's any updates on that. Not yet. I will ask now, but no one told me nothing. It does look like that deal for Boadi is very close in a fee of around£85 million. Just about squeaked home, didn't they? I mean, they did have some other chances, City. Yeah, City worked great, but they got the job done in the end. Just listen to the manager there talking about Gay in midfield. I mean, if he's going to be in midfield and stay and protect the back four, I don't mind it, but some of his runs going ahead of his other midfielders, he was higher than Phil Foden at times in the game.
47:04So, yeah, he did okay today. He obviously got his goal from the set piece, but I wouldn't be looking at getting he as a midfielder going forward. Okay, the other game was at the Amex. Brighton thrashing Aston Villa 4-0, but the developing story from there involves Oli Watkins. This was Unai Remery arriving pre-match. And then he was asked about the absence of Watkins in the matchday squad by Johnny Phillips.
47:30Andoni Iraola:Supporters will see there's no Oli Watkins in the squad. What can you tell him about that? Is that the end of his time here?
47:38Andoni Iraola:Silence. Does that maybe suggest something? No, no, no. We are the place we are today here. It's OK. We're not speaking about. That was pre-match. This was the final whistle after a hugely disappointing 4-0 defeat. All of Brighton's goals in the first half. And post-match, Emery was again asked by Johnny about Watkins. Now the game has finished, can you just clarify why Oli Watkins wasn't in the squad today? This question is for him. So can you call him and make a question to him? So that confirms it was not your decision, it was his decision? Asking. Is it disappointing the way it's ending? I only can answer it by silence.
48:29Andoni Iraola:Does that make it a very challenging situation for this, if it's not in your control? The players that are here, they show their commitment. And it's really fantastic. And this is the way. Of course, losing, this is the way. So silence. he mentions commitment with the players there that's commitment and ask him that's not good is it?
48:54Daniel Sturridge:That doesn't sound good at all does it? Let's be real I mean he seemed like he was really really frustrated and almost as if that move is out of his control in a sense but saying ask him it points the finger towards maybe Watkins forcing a move or It's always hard though isn't it? Because it's hard in these situations. You don't want to speculate and say Watkins is out of order. But this manager deserves a lot more. He deserves respect. What he's done for Aston Villa has been absolutely brilliant. All the good times he's brought to that club. And for him to be without Konza, Dinier, Tielemans, Rodgers, and then Watkins today, that's not good enough.
49:36It says something entirely in the club with PSR, having all this success and not being able to spend money. It's not right. It doesn't feel right. Watkins shouldn't want to be leaving Aston Villa because the club is in a really good position. 95 days since they won the Europa League final. And that spine and more. I mean, if Europe has gone, if you are a Villa fan tonight having lost, you are worried, aren't you? More than worried. And it's not fair. Like I said, the good times and then Europa League final win that. you think, okay, how can we kick on next season? Can we get some more players in?
50:16And for whatever reason, maybe it is PSR, maybe it's not, but to have your spine ripped out of you, it's just disheartening to see. And the manager who's done this, basically with players who are very good players, but he's improved. It's not like he's gone out there and had a big checkbook and signed 100, 200 million pound players. He's done this with those players, and now they're leaving, it's just... I'm racking my brains to think of something where an 11 like that, that wins a European trophy, unravels, if that's the right word, so quickly?
50:49Daniel Sturridge:I mean, look, I got a lot of love and respect for Aston Villa Football Club as a local boy. You know, grew up about five minutes, 10 minutes from the stadium. And they've built this club up now to be consistently in the Champions League and in European football, something that I didn't get to see growing up when I used to go and watch games. And now you're sort of looking at maybe one player moves on you think, okay two you go okay but when you're getting three four of your best players leaving the football club that also sends a signal to other better players at the football club and if we're being real when that happens players go you know what like i don't want to be the last one left what's going on here my best player my assist merchant my this my that all my guys are gone like so there's a level of i see both sides of this on one side you've got aston villa a football club that are in the Champions League, they're a team that deserve a wealth of respect.
51:44Daniel Sturridge:But then on the other side of it, you've got maybe a player who's looking at it going, well, you know, I'm a top player and I want to be around top players. And my best mates and best teammates that provided me chances that I had a vibe with throughout the years has now moved on. So it's a difficult moment for the club to deal with and there's only nine days left to go. So we'll see how it unfolds. Yeah, but I think if we look to the wider context, because we have to do that and have a deep dive. They've got Newcastle having to field young players and having to sell homegrown players to spend money.
52:18You've got Aston Villa who've had all this success and having to sell all their best players. And it feels to me like it's so much harder for them now to get in the top four, top five. And that's why you have to respect the job that Emre is doing. It's almost like we're in the top click now and we don't want anyone else to sort of come and be invited to the table. So what we have to do, we have to sell our best players. All that's going to make the jump to get to the top four, top five, even harder, which is not what this league is supposed to be all about. It needs re-looking because I don't see a way out for teams trying to get into that Champions League.
52:57Daniel Sturridge:I 100 % agree with you. I also believe that in these moments, right, as players, former players, I'm not privy to the financials of the situation and how many players they have to sell. What I would say is ultimately the better players at Aston Villa have moved on or are moving on. Malik Chow's kids are desperate to get past us so they can leave. so it's probably time bless them it's probably time that we so we'll try and let them go and the lawnmowers are here as well so we will we will get Daniel will go Daniel will go rescue the dummy we will come off air so that Malik Chow and his family can leave St James's Park it's finished 2-1 here this afternoon here it's been a weekend full of storylines Monday night football round everything up tomorrow Gary alongside Jamie and Dave for that all the build up to Fulham Chelsea from 6.30 Sky Sports Premier League Thanks for listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast make sure you give us a follow so you don't miss an episode see you next time
From the publisher
On the day where both teams paid tribute to the late Kevin Keegan, Liverpool snatched a dramatic point at St James' Park as Newcastle and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Mark Chapman, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge bring you all the reaction and the game's biggest talking points as we hear from last-minute penalty scorer Dominik Szoboszlai, and Reds' manager Andoni Iraola, plus Newcastle's Player of the Match Yoane Wissa and Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle.
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