Matthias Jaissle fumes at penalty decision that cost him dream Newcastle start

Matthias Jaissle lamented the “soft penalty” that cost his unfancied Newcastle side a season-opening win over Liverpool at a charged-up St James’ Park.

On the day both clubs came together to honour the late Kevin Keegan, Newcastle looked set for an upset win after goals from Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, sandwiched by Cody Gakpo levelling for the Reds.

But deep into added time, Lewis Hall stuck out his left leg and Victor Munoz went over in the area, with Dominik Szoboszlai impressively dispatching the resulting spot-kick into the roof of the net.

It was a point many on Tyneside would have taken beforehand following the exodus of star talent this summer, but Jaissle had conflicting emotions, especially because of the late penalty awarded.

“It was indeed a game of mixed feelings, especially in the end when you get a decision, two points away, it is really hard to digest,” Jaissle said after overseeing his first Premier League match.

“For me it is a really soft penalty as you call it here, if you give these penalties then you need to give a lot in the season.

“But there is also a lot of confidence and we are really proud of what we saw, the young lads were doing an amazing job with all the challenges of a transition period.

“This was special, already delivering on a high level and it makes us proud. (Newcastle have) a really good base to build on.”

Newcastle were missing newly announced club captain Dan Burn and his deputy Joelinton because of injury, but plenty stood up in their absence, not least DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa.

The 29-year-old had a nightmare first season following a £55million move from Brentford 12 months ago, but he teed up Willock to score and might have had a goal of his own after Alisson Becker