- Ngumoha scores in stoppage time on debut to win game for Liverpool.
- Newcastle finish with 10 men after Gordon’s red card.
- Ekitike, once linked with Newcastle, scores against them.
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha delivered a stunning Premier League debut goal to secure a dramatic 3-2 win for Liverpool against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Monday night.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the teenager, who turns 17 in just four days, was brought on by Arne Slot in the 96th minute with the game tied at 2-2.
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Barely four minutes later, Ngumoha calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, sealing three points for the reigning champions in a pulsating encounter.
Ngumoha had been a standout performer during pre-season, scoring three goals and registering two assists, and he carried that form into his senior debut.
Pundit, Jamie Carragher praised the youngster’s maturity under pressure.
“I’m not saying he should start every game but to show such calmness at such a tense stage he must be part of the team moving forward.”
Before Ngumoha’s winner, Newcastle had fought back bravely despite going down to ten men late in the first half.
Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow for a dangerous challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
At that point, Liverpool had already taken the lead through Ryan Gravenberch’s long-range effort.
Moments into the second half, Hugo Ekitike added a second goal, finishing smartly after a blocked shot from Cody Gakpo fell his way.
Ekitike had been on Newcastle’s radar as a possible replacement for Alexander Isak but chose Liverpool instead.
Despite being a man down, the Magpies found a lifeline as Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back with a powerful header just before the hour mark.
Substitute Will Osula, the only natural striker available to Eddie Howe, later drew the game level after capitalising on a long ball flicked on by Dan Burn.
The Geordie crowd, loud and full of belief, thought they had seen their team snatch a point until Ngumoha’s heroics silenced the home fans.
Newcastle’s problems deepened with Isak still pushing for a move and Gordon now set to miss three domestic matches.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have opened their title defence with back-to-back wins, though they will be concerned about conceding four goals in two matches.
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