Joe Willock scored Newcastle’s second goal before Liverpool’s late equaliser in the 2026–27 opening round.
Willock came off the bench and put Newcastle 2–1 ahead against Liverpool at St James’ Park on 23 August 2026. Newcastle had already taken the lead, Liverpool had equalised through Cody Gakpo, and Willock’s goal restored the home side’s advantage.
Liverpool eventually drew 2–2 after Dominik Szoboszlai converted a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time. The late spot-kick denied Newcastle a home victory and gave both clubs a point from an unusually dramatic opener.
The match also included tributes to Kevin Keegan, who had played for both clubs and managed Newcastle. That context made the fixture especially emotional, while the late penalty supplied its decisive sporting moment.