Neville criticizes Liverpool's £240m duo after 2-2 draw

Liverpool's expensive attacking duo Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak faced sharp criticism following their lackluster performances in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The result saw the Reds needing a stoppage-time penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai to rescue a point in Andoni Iraola's first Premier League match as manager. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville stated the two players, whose combined transfers cost over £240 million, were the biggest disappointments of the season opener at St James' Park. Wirtz, a £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen, was substituted in the 63rd minute with Liverpool trailing 2-1.