adminNewcastle United may have been left frustrated after conceding a late equaliser against Liverpool, but there was one major positive from Matthias Jaissle’s first Premier League game in charge.
The Magpies produced an impressive performance against the reigning champions at St James’ Park and looked on course to secure a huge opening-day victory before a controversial late penalty changed everything.
Newcastle started strongly and took the lead through Anthony Elanga, but Liverpool responded when Cody Gakpo found the back of the net to make it 1-1.
The hosts refused to let the setback affect them, however, and quickly regained control of the contest. Their pressure eventually paid off as Joe Willock restored Newcastle’s lead, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations.
Yoane Wissa played a major role in that goal and was arguably one of the best players on the pitch throughout the afternoon. His energy, movement and work rate caused Liverpool problems from the opening whistle, while his contribution in the final third helped Newcastle regain their advantage.
For a team undergoing a major transition following Eddie Howe’s departure, it was an encouraging display.
But just when Newcastle looked set to celebrate a famous victory, Liverpool were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time.
A VAR review involving Lewis Hall resulted in a controversial penalty being awarded to Liverpool. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and converted from the spot, making it 2-2 and leaving Newcastle players and supporters furious.
Despite the disappointing ending, Wissa received an incredible reception from the St James’ Park crowd when he was substituted in stoppage time.
His performance was also noticed by former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
Roy Keane delivers huge verdict
Speaking after the game, Keane was full of praise for Wissa and insisted that his performance showed exactly why Newcastle spent big money to bring him to Tyneside.
“He has justified his price tag,” Keane said.
The former Manchester United midfielder went even further, describing Wissa as an exceptional signing and suggesting Newcastle may have secured a real gem.
“An exceptional player for that price? I think he’s better than his replacement,” Keane added.
Keane also praised Newcastle’s recruitment and highlighted the impact of several of their attacking players.
“They did well to get him for £55m. Him, Osula and Elanga are like three new signings. The style of play suits them.”
The praise comes after Wissa endured a difficult first season on Tyneside, during which injuries and a disrupted start prevented him from showing his true ability.
The £55 million arrival struggled for consistency during his first campaign, but things began to change during pre-season. His performances suggested that he had finally regained his confidence and fitness ahead of the new Premier League season.
And against Liverpool, Wissa delivered when Newcastle needed him most.
Yoane Wissa opens up after Liverpool draw
After the match, Wissa admitted that his first year at the club had been extremely difficult, both physically and mentally.
“It’s been very, very difficult for me since I joined the club,” Wissa said. “But now everything is in the past. My body, I feel good and today I showed that I am very happy to be here, very proud to be a Newcastle player.”
He continued: “It’s been very, very tough, I need to be honest with you, physically and mentally. I think to get through this, it’s probably the World Cup that really helped me to change my mood and trust myself, trust my body.”
“I had a good pre-season. The last three months have been amazing for me, so that’s why today I am very happy to be here.”
Wissa’s impressive performance was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was replaced in stoppage time.
“It was amazing,” Wissa explained. “I wanted to be here, I wanted to enjoy these moments and today, I just enjoyed the 94 minutes I played from the first minutes until the last minute.”
Wissa also expressed his disappointment at the late penalty that denied Newcastle victory.
“Unluckily we conceded a penalty at the end because I wanted to cheer with the fans because we deserved to win today, but I can only say thank you to the fans today and thank you to my team-mates because it’s been unbelievable today.”
He added: “Of course, it’s not easy when you play football and you are not feeling well, but the club always backed me.”
“Everyone wanted me to do my best and today I just needed to give back something.”
After such a difficult first season, Wissa’s performance against Liverpool could prove to be a turning point in his Newcastle career.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
