Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha delivered a dream moment for Liverpool after coming off the bench to score a dramatic 100th-minute winner against 10-man Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The teenager’s late strike sealed a 3-2 victory for the champions and extended Newcastle’s winless run in league meetings with the Reds to 18 (D5, L13).
Although Ngumoha played no part in the match, pre-game discussions were dominated by the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak. Tensions were evident on Tyneside, where home supporters rallied behind manager Eddie Howe before kickoff.
The game began at a frantic pace. Ryan Gravenberch, back from suspension, picked up an early booking as tackles flew in. Newcastle looked sharper in the opening exchanges, with Anthony Gordon creating several chances, though he failed to find the target.
Against the run of play, Liverpool struck first. Gravenberch collected the ball from distance, set himself, and fired a precise finish into the bottom corner, extending the Reds’ scoring streak in the league to 36 consecutive matches.
Newcastle’s task became even harder just before halftime when Gordon was sent off after a VAR review confirmed his sliding challenge on Virgil van Dijk was dangerous.
Barely 20 seconds into the second half, Liverpool doubled their lead. Cody Gakpo’s initial shot was blocked, but he quickly recycled the ball to Hugo Ekitike, who produced a superb low finish for his third goal in as many Premier League appearances.
The Magpies responded on 57 minutes as Tino Livramento delivered a pinpoint cross that Bruno Guimaraes headed home to restore hope. Newcastle pushed on and finally equalised in the 88th minute when William Osula capitalised on a defensive lapse, sliding the ball past Alisson for only his second Premier League goal.
Just as it seemed Howe’s men would snatch a point, substitute Ngumoha delivered the decisive blow. Meeting Mohamed Salah’s low cross in the 100th minute, he curled the ball into the corner, sparking wild Liverpool celebrations.
