Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha was the hero on Monday night as Liverpool snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at St James’ Park.
The teenager came off the bench to score a stunning stoppage-time winner in the 100th minute, sealing three points for Arne Slot’s side in a game filled with drama, goals, and controversy.
Liverpool had gone ahead in the 35th minute through Ryan Gravenberch, whose long-range strike left goalkeeper Nick Pope rooted. Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead seconds after the restart with a composed finish.
Despite being reduced to 10 men after Anthony Gordon was sent off just before the break following a VAR review of his reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, Newcastle fought back.
Bruno Guimarães halved the deficit with a powerful header in the 57th minute before substitute William Osula struck late in the 88th minute to level the scores.
Just when it looked as though Eddie Howe’s side had rescued a point, Mohamed Salah found Ngumoha deep into stoppage time.
The youngster showed remarkable composure, slotting past Pope to become the youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history.
The result leaves Newcastle to rue Gordon’s red card and a missed opportunity, while Liverpool continue their strong start to the campaign. (Punch)
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