Arsenal starlet Max Dowman has heaped praise on Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha after his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s side picked up a 3-2 win over the Magpies at St James’ Park yesterday.
The hosts dominated proceedings during the first 30 minutes, but it was Ryan Gravenberch who opened the scoring for the visitors with a long-range deflected shot.
Newcastle went down to 10 men before the break after a nasty challenge from Anthony Gordon on Virgil van Dijk. He was sent off following a VAR review.
Hugo Ekitike made it 2-0 for the Reds shortly after the half-time interval.
There was still an unexpected twist in the game. Eddie Howe’s side managed a sensational comeback with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula.
Newcastle seemed on course for a draw, but Liverpool had other plans. Ngumoha came off the bench for his Reds debut and bagged the winner late on.
Mohamed Salah put the ball on the plate for him, and the 16-year-old showed composure to curl his effort beyond the grasp of goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Dowman has played with Ngumoha for the England Under-17s on many occasions, and the two have shared a good relationship on and off the field.
The Gunners graduate described him as ‘The best’ on Instagram stories after his heroics against the Magpies yesterday.
Dowman made his maiden senior appearance for Arsenal in the 5-0 rout of Leeds United last weekend.
The 15-year-old was brought on shortly after the hour mark, and he was brilliant with his movement from the right wing.
He won five duels and 100 percent of his tackles. Dowman completed a dribble and won a late stoppage-time penalty.
The wonderkid should get more minutes in the coming games, considering Bukayo Saka is sidelined for a few weeks.
It is nice to see Dowman complement Ngumoha, given they have played at the same age group for the Young Lions.
The duo could come face-to-face on the pitch when Arsenal visit Liverpool in Sunday’s much-awaited league clash.
Stats from Sofascore.com