Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha became the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history as he netted a dramatic 100th-minute winner to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over 10-man Newcastle at St James's Park. At just 16 years and 361 days old, the winger capped a remarkable comeback that left the home side devastated despite their courageous fightback.
The match was overshadowed by the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga, with Newcastle's star striker continuing his strike in pursuit of a move to Liverpool. The atmosphere was electric from kick-off, with Newcastle fans displaying a "Get into Them" banner and creating a hostile environment for Liverpool's new signings.
Gordon's costly dismissal
Anthony Gordon's reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk proved the turning point of the match. The Newcastle winger was initially shown a yellow card but referee Simon Hooper upgraded it to red after a VAR review, leaving visible welts on Van Dijk's calf. Gordon will now miss three crucial matches for Newcastle, who can ill-afford to lose another attacking player.
The red card came just before half-time, moments after Ryan Gravenberch had given Liverpool the lead with a deflected shot from the edge of the area. Newcastle had dominated the opening exchanges through their formidable midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, but could not convert their early pressure into goals.
Liverpool seize control
Hugo Ekitike twisted the knife just 30 seconds into the second half, scoring against his former admirers who had booed him throughout the match. The French striker, who chose Liverpool over Newcastle in the summer, slotted home a low side-footed effort to put the visitors 2-0 ahead.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães sparked hope with a powerful header from Tino Livramento's cross just before the hour mark. The Brazilian midfielder galvanised the crowd with every tackle as the 10 men staged an impassioned fightback, with Tonali playing on despite what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder.
Dramatic finale unfolds
William Osula thought he had secured an unlikely point for Newcastle when he steered home a long ball past Alisson with two minutes of normal time remaining. The substitute striker's equaliser sent St James's Park into raptures as the home side appeared to have earned a deserved draw.
However, Liverpool had the final word in the most dramatic fashion. The i reports that Ngumoha's historic strike makes him the fourth youngest Premier League scorer, capping a sweeping move with aplomb to break Newcastle hearts. The teenager's winner sparked wild celebrations from Liverpool's coaching staff, who invaded the pitch in jubilation.
Newcastle's fighting spirit ultimately counted for nothing as they suffered another painful reminder of the gap between their ambitions and current reality. Despite losing Joelinton to what appeared a serious groin injury, Eddie Howe's side will reflect on a superb performance that deserved more than defeat.
Sources used: "dailymail", "mirror", "The i" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
