Matthias Jaissle fumes at penalty decision that cost him dream Newcastle start
By David Charlesworth, Press Association
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 denied his one-on-one opportunity.
“Amazing performance, even though he could have killed the game but this is football and when I talk about Wissa, it is not just if he scores or makes an assist,” Jaissle said.
“It is about how he is committed and working for the teammates and not just him, many others today I can mention. This is the basic, it should be the fundamentals for Newcastle.”
Alexander Isak endured a trying afternoon on his return to Newcastle following an acrimonious departure last summer.
The Swede, who effectively went on strike to force through a move to Merseyside, was relentlessly booed by the home fans.
But Andoni Iraola doubts that had much of a bearing on the striker’s anonymous display.
“I think he expected a bit the atmosphere, it was not a big surprise for him,” Iraola said.
“He has tried everything, given us good positions on the ball, has had a couple of situations to finish in the box but not the clearest but I value that he has continued pushing, fighting.
“We scored at the end, so probably you have a better taste. Before the game we wouldn’t have signed for this result.”
