Liverpool grabbed all three points in dramatic fashion, as teenager Rio Ngumoha proved to be the match-winner against Newcastle United.
Liverpool expected a cauldron at St James’ Park, and they were not disappointed.
The Reds’ summer interest in Alexander Isak has sparked ire on Tyneside, so Newcastle fans created a hostile atmosphere.
Liverpool weren’t particularly convincing at any point, but Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring before Anthony Gordon received a straight red card.
Summer signing Hugo Ekitike made it 2-0 after half-time, but Newcastle roared back with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula.
Newcastle remarkably pushed for a winner with 10 men, but Liverpool stunned the Magpies with substitute Rio Ngumoha firing home a dramatic winner.
Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Arne Slot reacts to Alexander Isak question
Liverpool would have arguably been lucky to take one point from this game, never mind all three.
Newcastle’s intensity and physicality caused major problems for Liverpool, and there was a real lack of composure from the Reds after going 2-0 up.
Ngumoha bailed Liverpool out, and the Reds may turn their attention back to signing Isak before next week’s transfer deadline.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was asked about Isak straight after Monday’s win, but diverted the focus towards one current Reds player.
Speaking to Sky Sports (25/08, 22:30), Slot suggested that the story should instead be about Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike.
Slot highlighted that the Frenchman has now scored three goals in three games against Newcastle, Bournemouth and also Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
That is an electric start for Ekitike, and Slot praised him for impacting games, rather than wanting to talk about a deal for Isak.
“I think the story should be about Hugo Ekitike scoring another goal for us,” said Slot.
“It wouldn’t be fair for me to talk about anything else. It’s been three games with us now, he’s scored three goals.
“He’s impacted the games he played, and this is not the place to talk about anything else,” he added.
Hugo Ekitike living up to his price tag
Newcastle were interested in signing Ekitike over the summer, potentially viewing him as the ideal player to bring in alongside Isak.
Ekitike joined Liverpool instead, with the Reds striking a deal worth around £69million guaranteed and £10million in potential add-ons.
The Frenchman has made a blistering start to life at Liverpool, but many raised eyebrows about his move as the Reds made a bid for Isak just weeks after Ekitike’s arrival.
Some thought that Ekitike would live to regret his move to Anfield, but that certainly does not appear to be the case right now.
Liverpool may still land Isak, but Ekitike has proven that he can be a source of goals and will be a threat to keep Isak or any other striker out of the team.