Newcastle 1–0 Liverpool: Elanga Shines in Iraola's Tough Start

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool tenure lasted barely five minutes before its first gut punch.

On a sharp, noisy afternoon at St James’ Park, Newcastle’s own new era under Matthias Jaissle exploded into life with a ruthless, direct move that sliced straight through Liverpool’s spine and left Gary Neville pointing fingers in the Sky Sports gantry.

Elanga strikes, Liverpool sleep

Liverpool had actually started on the front foot. Virgil van Dijk rose to meet an early set-piece, Cody Gakpo found space in the box, and there was a brief sense that Iraola’s high-energy blueprint might translate seamlessly to the Premier League.

Then Newcastle went long – and Liverpool fell apart.

William Osula dropped off the front line, took possession, and suddenly the pitch opened up. Anthony Elanga spotted the gap, burned into it and never looked back. The Swedish winger surged beyond Milos Kerkez, leaving the full-back trailing, before drilling a low finish across Alisson and into the far corner.

One pass, one run, one clinical strike. Newcastle in front, Liverpool stunned.

Neville calls out Alisson, Van Dijk and Jacquet

Neville’s verdict was immediate and unforgiving, starting with Liverpool’s goalkeeper.

“Alisson might be a little close to that near post and it leaves a gaping hole for Elanga to find. That gap is far too big,” he said on commentary, unimpressed by how easily the forward picked his spot.

The former Manchester United defender then turned his attention to the build-up, and to Liverpool’s centre-backs.

“You would expect Van Dijk and Jacquet to go with Osula but they let him drop in and turn,” Neville added. “They don’t push in. They are 15-20 yards deep of where they should be. You see Arsenal’s defenders do it to perfection.”

For Iraola, that will sting. His first competitive selection at the heart of defence – with new signing Jeremy Jacquet preferred to Ronald Araujo – was under scrutiny before kick-off. Within minutes, it was under attack.

Iraola’s big call in the spotlight

Jacquet got the nod alongside Van Dijk after impressing in pre-season, a decision Iraola admitted had not come easily.

“It was a difficult call. Both of them played well in the last friendly,” the Liverpool boss said before the game. “Jeremy is comfortable with and without the ball.

“Playing against Osula and Wissa, who are good players, will not be easy. We have Ronald ready to go if we need him.”

Osula wasted no time testing that judgement. His willingness to drop off the line and link play exposed the hesitation Neville highlighted in Liverpool’s back line, while Elanga’s pace punished the space they left.

Liverpool had their chances early, but Newcastle had the goal and the momentum. For Iraola, and for his re-shaped defence, this was a brutal reminder: in this league, one misstep is enough to turn an opening day into a chase.