Rio Ngumoha Writes Liverpool Fairytale In Stoppage-Time Win Over Newcastle

Football has a habit of producing storylines that feel scripted for the big screen. On Monday night at St James’ Park, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha stepped out of Liverpool’s academy shadows and into Premier League folklore, scoring a dramatic 100th-minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory against 10-man Newcastle United.

The teenager’s strike made him the second-youngest player ever to score a Premier League winner, just a day older than Wayne Rooney was when he stunned Arsenal in 2002. And like Rooney’s moment, Ngumoha’s calm, side-footed finish will be replayed for years to come.

An Atmosphere Thick With Tension

The game carried extra spice before a ball was even kicked. Newcastle’s star forward Alexander Isak, the man who scored against Liverpool in last season’s Carabao Cup final, continues to train separately from the squad amid a summer-long tug-of-war over his future. Liverpool have had a £110 million bid rejected, but their fans gleefully twisted the knife from the away end, chanting “hand him over” throughout the evening.

That backdrop, plus the memory of Liverpool’s late winners at St James’ Park in years gone by, made for a cauldron of emotion. Newcastle supporters booed the visitors off the bus and into the tunnel, but the jeers only added to the intensity.

Liverpool Strike First, Newcastle Struck Down

Eddie Howe’s side started brightly, with Anthony Gordon buzzing around the box and firing three early efforts off target. But when Liverpool broke forward in the 35th minute, it was Ryan Gravenberch back from suspension who punished the hosts. The Dutchman pounced on a loose ball and rifled a low strike into the corner for Liverpool’s 36th consecutive Premier League game with a goal.

Newcastle’s evening worsened just before half-time when Gordon, deputising for the absent Isak, saw red after VAR upgraded his sliding tackle on Virgil van Dijk from yellow to straight dismissal.

Seconds after the restart, Liverpool doubled their lead. Cody Gakpo’s shot was blocked but he recycled the ball quickly, slipping it to Hugo Ekitike, who curled in his third goal in as many games since joining from PSG. At 2-0, it looked like game over.

Geordie Fightback And A Deafening Roar

But Newcastle, with their history of comeback football, weren’t finished. Tino Livramento delivered a perfect cross in the 57th minute, met by Bruno Guimarães’ header to pull one back. St James’ Park erupted.

Then, in the 88th minute, came the moment that felt destined to salvage a point. A long ball from Nick Pope sparked chaos in Liverpool’s defence, Dan Burn flicked on, and William Osula stabbed home for his second Premier League goal. The roof nearly came off.

Ngumoha’s Moment Of Destiny

Yet Liverpool always seem to find another twist on Tyneside. Deep into stoppage time, Mohamed Salah broke down the right and slid a low cross into the box. Enter Ngumoha, just shy of his 17th birthday, ghosting past defenders with the confidence of a veteran. One touch, one finish, one unforgettable night.

Arne Slot could hardly contain his praise: “He had so much time to think, but Ngumoha never hesitated. That was pure quality.”

On social media, the teenager was just as composed, posting on X: “Dream come true to score my first Premier League goal and help the team win! Thank you for the support, Reds!”

Pride In Defeat For Newcastle

For Howe, there was disappointment but also pride. “We showed incredible spirit to come back with 10 men. The lads gave everything, and we’re gutted to lose it at the end.”

Supporters stayed behind to applaud the team despite the heartbreak, recognising their resilience after losing Gordon to red and three more players Fabian Schär, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton to injury.

The Bigger Picture

The result stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run against Newcastle to 18 league matches, with 13 wins and five draws. It also kept their early-season momentum intact as they chase back-to-back titles under Slot.

For Newcastle, though, questions linger. Without Isak leading the line, their bluntness in front of goal is becoming evident. Osula’s goal showed promise, but Howe knows that unless the Isak saga is resolved and quickly his side risk being undermined by uncertainty.

With the transfer window closing soon, Newcastle face a defining week. Monday night proved they have the fight to stand toe-to-toe with champions. What they lack, though, is the striker who could have made the difference.

Source: SABC Sport 

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