A highly anticipated match-up thanks to the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak, Arne Slot's Liverpool continued their winning streak in the 2025/26 Premier League season with a 3-2 victory against Newcastle United inside an action-packed St James' Park on Monday evening.
As widely expected, the affair was cagey from the off but Eddie Howe's men started the brighter of the two sides, allowing the reigning champions very little time on the ball. Brilliant going forward, too, it came as a shock to the system when Ryan Gravenberch scored with Liverpool's second shot of the game.
On his return from suspension, the Dutchman struck the ball well from the outside of the box, which quite easily bypassed Nick Pope in the Newcastle goal – but Liverpool's opener didn't take the sting out of the game, as evidenced by Anthony Gordon's reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
And, therefore, just before the half-time interval, Newcastle were then reduced to ten men. It went from bad to worse for the hosts once play resumed: Hugo Ekitike, a player the home side had admired for years before his move to Anfield, kickstarted the second half with a goal, making it 2-0 to Slot and his men.
Who else but Bruno Guimaraes to get the Magpies back in the game? Tino Lirvamento's ball in the box was met by the Brazilian's brilliant header at the backstick. Neither side could muster much until William Osula pounced on Dan Burn's flick from a free-kick, and it was game on!
Liverpool, undeserving of the three points, had Rio Ngumoha to thank as he arrived at the back post, onto Mohamed Salah's defence-cutting pass, to curl his effort past Newcastle's Nick Pope. What a way to kickstart your Premier League career, eh?
Newcastle Utd vs Liverpool - Match Statistics
Newcastle Utd
38
10
3
7
1
2
Newcastle United Player Ratings
joelinton
GK: Nick Pope – 5/10
Alert to most things that came his way; though, it looked as if Pope was caught slacking for Gravenberch's long-range strike. But, he wasn't. No keeper in the world would get to that.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 5/10
A few loose balls into the middle of the park aside, the seasoned Trippier remained defensively resolute for the entire first half.
CB: Fabian Schar – 5/10
Did very little to prevent Gravenberch's strike from going in.
CB: Dan Burn – 5/10
The versatile defender was reckless in his approach when trying to contain Ekitike and Co, but he epitomised the spirit of the Newcastle side.
LB: Tino Livramento – 8/10
Another terrific display from the youngster, who proved that he is able to play in all phases: whether that's defending a ball in behind or inverting into the midfield.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – 8.5/10 (Man of the Match)
Although a bit rash at times, Newcastle's captain rose above Kerkez at the far post to latch onto Livramento's cross just shy of the hour mark. A real driving force behind their comeback, he was brilliant in the middle.
CM: Sandro Tonali – 5.5/10
Poor decision-making from the Italian often meant that Newcastle's attacks broke down earlier than expected.
CM: Joelinton – 5.5/10
Despite being a striker by trade, Joelinton's attacking instincts against Liverpool were strikingly poor. You can't say he wasn't full of energy, though.
RW: Anthony Elanga – 6.5/10
The Swede's raw pace was a danger behind Liverpool's back line on countless occasions. His influence waned once Gordon was sent off.
ST: Anthony Gordon – 4/10
Despite playing in a relatively unfamiliar position, Gordon's shift at striker was electric. That was until his wild tackle on Van Dijk resulted in a sending off.
LW: Harvey Barnes – 5/10
Barnes' teasing deliveries into the Liverpool danger area caused ample problems, but it still wasn't his brightest game by any stretch of the imagination.
Sub: Lewis Miley (66') – 5/10
On for the injured Tonali.
Sub: William Osula (76') – 7/10
Substituted on to bring some attacking intent to Newcastle's play, and he gambled on Burn's flick to level proceedings.
Sub: Jacob Ramsey (76') – 5/10
Replaced Joelinton to make his debut for the Magpies.
Sub: Lewis Hall (76') – 5/10
Offered a combination of defensive solidity and attacking prowess.
Sub: Malick Thiaw (81') – 3/10
The 24-year-old German made his Newcastle debut.
Liverpool Player Ratings
liverpool ekitike
GK: Alisson Becker – 5/10
Early in the first half, Alisson was quick off his line to deny Elanga the chance to latch onto the ball. He, however, only managed to get a weak palm on Guimaraes' header.
RB: Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10
Albeit out of position at right-back, Szoboszlai was one of Liverpool's better defensive players. His dummy for Liverpool's winner was utterly brilliant.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 5/10
Lucky to walk away unscathed from Gordon's flying tackle, Van Dijk continued to show signs of rust. Stepped up his defensive efforts in the final embers as Newcastle searched for a winner.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 5/10
The Frenchman initially struggled to contain the magic of Gordon but did begin to show his usual superiority at the back.
LB: Milos Kerkez – 5/10
The young Hungarian was caused all sorts of problems by Elanga's turn of pace and silent movement, while he also provided his side with very little from an attacking sense.
CM: Curtis Jones – 5.5/10
Jones played too many lofted passes, very few of which paid dividends. He looked lacklustre in the engine room.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10
Picked up a yellow card eight minutes into his return but did well to keep things ticking in the middle of the park, often with his pressing.
CAM: Florian Wirtz – 4/10
Far too weak in his duels, Liverpool's marquee summer addition struggled against the physicality of Newcastle's midfield three.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 4/10
A bystander in the encounter's opening stages, that continued for the rest of the game too. A very poor game by his standards.
ST: Hugo Ekitike – 6/10
Liverpool's centre-forward was seldom involved in the first 45 minutes of action but scored instantly after coming out for the second half. And it was a brilliant goal, at that.
LW: Cody Gakpo – 7/10
Picked up an assist for Liverpool's first and looked lively at times. The Dutch winger was also efficient in the final third as he made the most of his time on the ball.
Sub: Federico Chiesa (80') – 4/10
Looking to repeat his heroics from the Bournemouth game, the Italian's introduction was to no avail.
Sub: Conor Bradley (80') – 3/10
A very, very poor cameo from the youngster.
Sub: Rio Ngumoha (96') – 7/10
Made his Premier League debut just days short of his 17th birthday and went on to score the winner. Wow, what a moment for the youngster!
Sub: Harvey Elliott (96') – N/A
Little to no impact on proceedings.