In a Premier League thriller, Liverpool edged out Newcastle 3-2 on Monday, thanks to a dramatic late goal from 16-year-old substitute Rio Ngumoha.
Newcastle were down to 10 men after Anthony Gordon’s dismissal just before halftime. Liverpool capitalized, quickly extending their 1-0 lead to 2-0 early in the second half. It looked to be all over for Newcastle.
However, Bruno Guimarães’ header in the 57th minute sparked a comeback. The crowd of 52,200 roared as substitute William Osula leveled the score in the 88th minute.
Injuries to Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar led to a lengthy period of added time, during which Newcastle pressed for a winning goal.
But Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s substitutions proved decisive. Ngumoha, making his Premier League debut six minutes into added time, calmly slotted home the winning goal just four minutes later.
The goal, scored just days before his 17th birthday, makes him one of the youngest Premier League goalscorers in history.
“Every fan around the world would have enjoyed watching this game of football,” said Slot. “We didn’t collapse and stood strong. We didn’t play well enough on the ball. I don’t think there was so much open play.”
Isak saga
Before the game, speculation surrounded Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who wants a transfer after the club rejected a significant bid from Liverpool.
Newcastle fans displayed a banner supporting coach Howe with the message: “Nothing Is Achieved Alone. We Are A City. A Whole Population.”
Ryan Gravenberch scored first for Liverpool after 16 months of waiting. Anthony Gordon was then shown a red card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle previously wanted to sign, scored for Liverpool just after halftime, putting Newcastle further behind.
Guimaraes started the comeback, but Ngumoha stole the show with his late winner.
“It’s a dream debut I’m very, very pleased for Rio,” Van Dijk commented. “He has to keep working hard, to stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this, because you can’t take these nights for granted.”
Liverpool’s win means they join Arsenal and Tottenham as the only teams with two wins from two games.
Newcastle have just one point from their opening two matches.