Anthony Elanga Scores Early to Haunt Liverpool in Premier League Opener

Anthony Elanga struck early to spoil Andoni Iraola’s first competitive game in charge of Liverpool – and drew sharp criticism from Gary Neville for the way the Reds defended it.

Newcastle, under their own new boss Matthias Jaissle, needed barely a few minutes of the Premier League season to land the first blow at St James’ Park. One ball, one sprint, one ruthless finish.

It started with William Osula dropping into space. Liverpool’s new centre-back pairing, Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet, backed off instead of engaging. Osula turned, picked his pass and suddenly Elanga was away.

The Swedish winger exploded into the gap, burning past Milos Kerkez on the outside. Kerkez never got close. Elanga drove into the box and whipped a low shot across Alisson and into the far corner.

Neville, on Sky Sports commentary, immediately homed in on the Liverpool goalkeeper’s positioning.

“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, as replays rolled.

The former defender then turned his attention to the build-up, unimpressed with how Liverpool’s back line had dealt with Osula’s movement.

“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.”

The goal cut across what had actually been a bright Liverpool opening. Van Dijk had already threatened from a set piece, Cody Gakpo had found space, and Iraola’s side looked sharp with the ball. None of it mattered once Newcastle broke.

The selection at centre-back had been one of the key talking points before kick-off. Iraola chose Jacquet ahead of fellow new signing Ronald Araujo, a bold call on day one.

“It was a difficult call. Both of them played well in the last friendly,” Iraola explained 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.”

Newcastle made sure that difficulty arrived early. One lapse in the line, one hesitation in the press, and Iraola’s Liverpool were chasing their first Premier League game of the season almost before it had begun.