Liverpool left it late but secured all three points at St. James’ Park with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle.
The game had everything: goals, a red card, defensive lapses, and a teenager stealing the spotlight in the dying seconds.
The Reds looked to be cruising after goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike put them in control against ten-man Newcastle.
Yet, as has become a worrying trend under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s defence once again cracked, inviting unnecessary pressure.
Bruno Guimarães pulled one back before substitute William Osula levelled late, sparking chaos among the home supporters.
Just when it seemed Liverpool had squandered another winning position, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha etched his name into club folklore.
Introduced deep into stoppage time, the academy product showed the composure of a veteran, slotting calmly past Nick Pope in the 100th minute. It was a finish of rare poise, ensuring Liverpool’s blushes were spared.
Meanwhile, the performance of Florian Wirtz once again raised eyebrows.
The German playmaker, signed with much fanfare in the summer, has yet to truly impose himself in a Liverpool shirt.
His struggle for rhythm continued at St. James’ Park, in stark contrast to the vibrancy Ngumoha displayed in his brief cameo.
Here is your Liverpool vs Newcastle Ratings.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Newcastle
Alisson Becker – 7/10
The Brazilian goalkeeper had a nervy opening, nearly gifting Newcastle an early chance with a risky dribble out of his own area.
Once he settled, though, he commanded his box well and dealt with several dangerous deliveries from the flanks.
He was sharp when called upon, particularly in cutting out Anthony Elanga’s low crosses, and generally handled Newcastle’s aerial balls with composure.
However, he could do little about the two goals conceded, and will feel let down by the defensive lapses in front of him.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8/10 (Man of the Match)
Asked to fill in a less familiar role, Szoboszlai looked uncomfortable early on, but soon adapted and became Liverpool’s most reliable performer.
His work rate and passing variety provided structure when Liverpool needed control.
He played a key part in the decisive moment, cleverly dummying the ball to allow Ngumoha to strike home the winner.
His adaptability and willingness to fight for the team stood out, making him the standout performer on the night.
Ibrahima Konaté – 4/10
Konaté endured another difficult outing, struggling badly to deal with Newcastle’s fluid front line.
His positioning was erratic, and he was often a step behind Anthony Gordon’s runs in the first half.
The Frenchman’s confidence looks fragile at the moment, and he never imposed himself as expected.
A night to forget, and one that raises questions about his readiness to anchor Liverpool’s defence in big games.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
The captain looked sharper than in recent weeks and appeared more comfortable leading the back line. He won key duels, especially after Newcastle were reduced to 10 men, and restored some calm when pressure mounted.
Even so, he is not yet at his dominant best. Gordon’s reckless challenge left him limping at times, but he played through the pain and kept Liverpool organised when the contest became chaotic.
Milos Kerkez – 4/10
It was a harsh lesson for the young full-back, who never looked settled defensively. He was caught out repeatedly by Newcastle’s runners and switched off at critical moments.
His failure to challenge Bruno Guimarães for the header that halved Liverpool’s lead summed up his struggles. Kerkez showed energy going forward, but his defensive frailties were too easily exposed.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10
The Dutchman’s first-half goal was a welcome boost, coming at a time when Liverpool were under heavy pressure.
His long-range effort gave the Reds a platform, even if he was otherwise subdued before the break.
After half-time, Gravenberch grew more influential, using his mobility to open spaces and link play.
He is still working back to full sharpness, but his contribution was important in setting Liverpool on their way.
Curtis Jones – 5/10
Jones struggled to impose himself in midfield, often bypassed by Newcastle’s quicker transitions. He had a golden chance to score late in the first half but lacked composure when it mattered.
There were glimpses of his ability, a fine solo run in the second half, in particular, but he lacked the end product. On a night where others stood tall, Jones drifted in and out of the game.
Florian Wirtz – 5/10
Liverpool’s record signing had a quiet night by his high standards. He was physically targeted early on and found it difficult to adjust to the pace and intensity of the contest.
While his passing was neat and he found good positions between the lines, he failed to influence proceedings in the final third. More will be expected of him as he continues to adapt to English football.
Mohamed Salah – 5/10
Salah was largely anonymous in the first half, aside from one clever through ball to Curtis Jones which should have been converted. He grew into the game after the red card, but still lacked his usual sharpness.
The Egyptian was contained effectively by Newcastle’s defensive shape, and though he worked hard, he never found the space to truly impact the scoreline. A subdued performance by his standards.
Cody Gakpo – 5/10
Gakpo played a part in Ekitike’s record-breaking goal with his initial shot, but otherwise contributed little. Too often he went missing in dangerous areas and failed to make his presence felt.
Being replaced by 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who went on to score the winner, only highlighted the inconsistency in Gakpo’s form. He remains a player capable of flashes, but not nearly consistent enough at this level.
Hugo Ekitike – 8/10
Liverpool’s new striker continued his fine start to life in red, scoring his third goal of the season with a ruthless finish seconds into the second half.
His strike also entered the record books as one of the fastest second-half goals in Premier League history.
Beyond the goal, Ekitike’s movement stretched Newcastle constantly, creating problems with his sharp runs across the back line. He looks increasingly at home in this team, and his confidence is growing rapidly.
