Rio Ngumoha enjoyed a dream Premier League debut but Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk sent the teenager a reminder after his dramatic winner away to Newcastle United
Rio Ngumoha celebrating with Virgil van Dijk
Rio Ngumoha celebrating with Virgil van Dijk(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reminded teenage hero Rio Ngumoha he needs to stay humble despite a dream debut at St James' Park on Monday. Ngumoha, 16, bagged a 100th-minute winner to break Newcastle hearts after the 10-man Magpies had battled back from 2-0 down to level things up.
Arne Slot's Reds looked in control when efforts from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike put them two goals and a man up early in the second half, with Anthony Gordon dismissed just before the half-time break. Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back, though, and Will Osula thought he had rescued a point before fellow substitute Ngumoha had the last word.
"It's a dream debut for him," Van Dijk told Sky Sports. "I think that whole attack was quite good. I think Harvey [Elliott] started it on our right-hand side and Fede [Chiesa] did the dummy. It was a perfect attack. We stayed calm at the end to find the right solution to score the goal.
"I'm very pleased for Rio, I've said it to him already it all starts now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this because these nights, you can't take them for granted if you're in his position. I'm sure with the players we have he will be back in training and having a hard session tomorrow again."
It was the second time in as many games that Liverpool have thrown away a two-goal lead. Bournemouth recovered on the opening day, with Antoine Semenyo scoring twice, only for late goals from Chiesa and Mo Salah to hand Liverpool victory.
Slot's team also conceded twice in the Community Shield, with Crystal Palace equalising twice before winning on penalties. It took Liverpool until late October to concede four in the league last season, and their manager appreciated the worrying start at the back.
Will Osula celebrates scoring for Newcastle against Liverpool
Will Osula thought he had rescued a point for Newcastle
"if you want to be where we want to be at the end of the season, you have to start keeping clean sheets," Slot told BBC Sport. "We've conceded too many goals, but we have scored too."
A new centre-back could yet be the answer. Teenage talent Giovanni Leoni joined from Parma on the eve of the new season but was an unused substitute on Monday as he waits for his debut, and there are still suggestions a late move for Marc Guehi could go through.
Crystal Palace captain Guehi has been an ever-present for the Eagles this term but is in the final year of his contract. He may still leave if a suitable offer arrives, but not before Thursday's Conference League play-off second leg against Fredrikstad.
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