Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores after an eventful Premier League clash at Newcastle United on Monday evening
Ian Doyle has covered Liverpool for more than 20 years, following them across Europe in multiple Champions League and Europa League finals and as far afield as Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong and Qatar, and has reported on the Reds winning every major honour. He previously also covered Everton for 18 years and followed England, reporting on the European Championships and World Cup final. Once had to tell Jude Law he does not drive a Mini.
Rio Ngumoha celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25, 2025
(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic injury-time winner four minutes after being handed his Premier League debut to earn Liverpool a remarkable 3-2 win at 10-man Newcastle United. Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike put the visitors ahead either goals either side of a red card for Anthony Gordon for a foul on Virgil van Dijk, only for Bruno Guimaraes and home substitute Will Osula to score before Ngumoha's intervention.
The result means Arne Slot's side have maintained their 100% start to their defence of the Premier League title.
And the ECHO was in attendance at St James Park and here run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
Alisson Becker 7
Safe hands as Newcastle peppered the Liverpool penalty area throughout with high balls and solid distribution.
Dominik Szoboszlai 9
Worked so hard as emergency right-back and defended well at far post on occasion. Began to find space going forward once Newcastle were down to 10, and restored to midfield late on and dummied brilliantly for winner.
Ibrahima Konate 4
Over-elaborate pass sent Tonali scurrying clear and unconvincing too often in his defensive play and missed header for Newcastle equaliser. Booked.
Virgil van Dijk 8
Aerial prowess required as Newcastle sought to capitalise on their many set-pieces and did well to carry on after on receiving end of dreadful challenge for Gordon red card.
Milos Kerkez 6
Stuck to his task defensively up against Elanga and far less rash than against Bournemouth, but easily beaten by Guimaraes for Newcastle first.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Affected by early booking and game passed him by for much of opening half-hour but no arguing quality of his opening strike. A tough return to the side.
Curtis Jones 6
Struggled to make any sort of impact as Newcastle dominated early on but slowly worked his way into the game and some nice touches. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 6
Peripheral until the approach to half-time when Liverpool finally began to exploit his pace up against the Newcastle back line. Could have done more second half, though, until assist for winner. Subbed.
Florian Wirtz 5
Overpowered for large parts before interval but at least had a shot on target. Tried to influence matters after break. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo 6
Hitting the Dutchman long didn’t pay much dividend for large periods before the interval, but important part in second goal and better after that. Subbed.
Hugo Ekitike 6
Asked to chase a lot of difficult balls first half but could have done more with the few he received until smashing in the second. Subbed.
Conor Bradley (for Wirtz 80) 6
Welcome return for the right-back after injury. Booked.
Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike 80) 5
Couldn’t really impact the game at all.
Harvey Elliott (for Jones 90+6)
Minutes for the midfielder.
Rio Ngumoha (for Gakpo 90+6) 10
The 16-year-old marked his Premier League debut with a dramatic winner.
Wataru Endo (for Salah 90+11)
Win bonus.