Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool took all three points on Monday evening with a 3-2 win over Newcastle United at St James' Park, in what is sure to be one of the most hostile atmospheres of the season.
The Magpies had the better of the early exchanges, putting Arne Slot's side under intense pressure and capitalising on some sloppy passing in centre of the park to put together counterattacks.
However, it was the visitors who found a breakthrough when Ryan Gravenberch's deflected long-range strike found Nick Pope stranded against the run of play.
Things went from bad to worse for Eddie Howe's team when - perhaps inevitably - his side were reduced to 10 men following a reckless tackle from Anthony Gordon that left stud marks on Virgil van Dijk's calf.
Hugo Ekitike, who was the target of booing from the home crowd in the first period, then made it 2-0 with a strike so early after the restart that his manager was not on the touchline to see it.
The hosts then reverted into a more defensive setup, but still found a way back into the contest through a Bruno Giumaraes header, and substitute striker William Osula levelled the score late on.
There was one more twist in the tale when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha came on for Gakpo in stoppage time, and found a dramatic. 100th-minute winner for the Reds.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and striker Hugo Ekitike talking on August 25, 2025
The story around this match was dominated by Liverpool's pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, and the Magpies' frustrations certainly spilled over from online spaces into both the crowd and the pitch.
The hostility of the atmosphere initially benefitted Howe's side as they were driven by their supporters to be first to every challenge in the first half, but Gordon went too far and was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Van Dijk.
Joelinton also went off with an injury, while Sandro Tonali was seen nursing a sore shoulder, and having come into the match with vigor, they may have lost a number of key players for the weekend.
As for the Reds, they will be delighted to have taken the points and seem to have avoided any injuries on Monday evening, but Slot will be disappointed with the fact that his team threw away their two-goal lead.
It has been reported that the Liverpool manager was so impressed by Ngumoha in pre-season that he decided to not pursue an additional signing in his position, and the teenager announced himself to the world with an emphatic finish on his Premier League debut.
NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL HIGHLIGHTS
8th min: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) yellow card
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United fouled by Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool on August 25, 2025
After a series of unpunished fouls from Newcastle United, including a kick to Cody Gakpo's head from Joelinton, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was the first player to pick up a yellow card.
Ryan Gravenberch goal vs. Newcastle United (35th min, Newcastle United 0-1 Liverpool)
Ryan Gravenberch punishes Newcastle for their missed chances with an absolute BEAUTY from range! ? pic.twitter.com/QbFH5SHNsG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
Liverpool recover possession on the left wing after a poor Newcastle throw, and after some fine work from Curtis Jones, Gakpo plays the ball to Gravenberch.
The returning midfielder then cuts inside and fires a low, driven strike from 30 yards out into the bottom-left corner off the post, though Pope was wrong footed by a deflection.
45+3 min: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United) red card
Anthony Gordon sees RED after VAR review, following a rash tackle on Virgil van Dijk ? pic.twitter.com/uJ4xDBrKAA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
The latest in a series of reckless challenges sees Gordon fly in at speed on Liverpool captain Van Dijk, raking his studs down the centre-back's calf after he had released the ball.
Referee Simon Hooper initially gave a yellow card, but upgraded it to a red following a VAR review.
Hugo Ekitike goal vs. Newcastle United (46th min, Newcastle United 0-2 Liverpool)
What a finish that is from Hugo Ekitike ? pic.twitter.com/KNg0UDysaB
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
The Reds make the most of their numerical advantage within seconds of kick off.
Ekitike dribbles forward from the halfway line before passing it out wide to Gakpo, who cuts inside and, after losing and regaining possession once more, he pokes it back to the Frenchman, who fires a powerful side-footed shot in off the left post.
Bruno Guimaraes goal vs. Liverpool (57th min, Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool)
Could there be a twist in the tale? ?
Down to ten, but Bruno Guimaraes pulls one back for the Magpies! pic.twitter.com/Hnv6bDFL7N
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
Liverpool fail to deal with a long throw-in from the left wing, and Tino Livramento eventually picks out Bruno Guimaraes, who beats Milos Kerkez at the back post to head home.
William Osula goal vs. Liverpool (87th min, Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool)
What a moment for William Osula! ?
Newcastle equalise despite being down to 10! pic.twitter.com/cTqhtPPXlY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
A simple long free kick from Pope bounces off Ibrahima Konate's back and William Osula races past Gravenberch through to slip the ball under Alisson Becker to level the score.
Rio Ngumoha goal vs. Newcastle United (100+10 mins, Newcastle United 2-3 Liverpool)
16-year-old Rio Ngumoha wins all three points at the death for Liverpool! ? pic.twitter.com/85jkiAfCrE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
Mohamed Salah picks up the ball on the right wing in the closing moments and plays a low cross to Dominik Szobszlai, who produces an intelligent feint to allow teenager Ngumoha to fire a composed first-time finish into the right-hand side of the net to win the game!
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool in action on August 25, 2025
The Liverpool midfielder was tasked with playing at right-back for the majority of the match, and was able to keep Harvey Barnes quiet before switching into his usual central role late on.
Szoboszlai then had the composure and wherewithal to let the ball run through his legs for Ngumoha's winner, an action that would be deserving of an assist.
NEWCASTLE UNITED VS. LIVERPOOL MATCH STATS
Possession: Newcastle United 38%-62% Liverpool
Shots: Newcastle United 10-5 Liverpool
Shots on target: Newcastle United 3-4 Liverpool
Corners: Newcastle United 7-1 Liverpool
Fouls: Newcastle United 17-15 Liverpool
BEST STATS
Rio Ngumoha becomes the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history.
◎ James Vaughan (16y 270d)
◎ James Milner (16y 356d)
◎ Wayne Rooney (16y 360d)
◉ Rio Ngumoha (16y 361d)
From the bench to the record books in minutes. ? pic.twitter.com/sv3G3lvAFG
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 25, 2025
Hugo Ekitike becomes the first Liverpool player to score in his first three appearances since Daniel Sturridge in 2013.
An instant impact. ? pic.twitter.com/tEJrt4v3bg
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 25, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Up next for Newcastle is a trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, while Liverpool will welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday.
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