Liverpool snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday night, thanks to a 100th-minute winner from teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha.
The Reds, who looked comfortable after racing into a two-goal lead, nearly threw it away as Newcastle staged a spirited fightback despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half.
⚽ How the Game Unfolded
- Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a stunning long-range strike.
- Newcastle’s frustration boiled over when Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk following a VAR review.
- Just seconds into the second half, Hugo Ekitike, a long-time Newcastle target now wearing Liverpool red, doubled the visitors’ lead.
But Newcastle refused to crumble.
- Bruno Guimaraes powered in a header to spark hope for the home side.
- Young striker William Osula bundled home an equaliser, sending the 50,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.
However, it was Liverpool’s new golden boy who had the final say.
In stoppage time, Mohamed Salah slipped a pass into the box, Dominik Szoboszlai cleverly dummied, and 16-year-old Ngumoha calmly curled home—just days before his 17th birthday.
📊 What It Means
- The win puts Liverpool level on six points with Tottenham and Arsenal after two matches.
- Newcastle remain winless, still reeling from the absence of striker Alexander Isak, who is pushing for a move away.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised his side’s resilience, while Newcastle boss Eddie Howe lamented wasted chances and his side’s lack of a clinical striker.
The two clubs remain linked off the pitch too, with Liverpool reportedly pursuing Isak in a potential British transfer record move before the window closes.
