Newcastle United suffered a bruising evening as they lost 3-2 to Premier League champions Liverpool.
After over 100 minutes of football at St James’ Park on Monday night, 10-man Newcastle narrowly came out on the wrong side of a five-goal thriller against Premier League champions Liverpool.
Ryan Gravenberch gave the Reds the lead in the 35th minute before the Magpies were reduced to 10-men in first-half stoppage time when Anthony Gordon was sent off following a VAR for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
Hugo Ekitike doubled the visitors’ advantage 30 seconds into the second half but Newcastle, somehow, found a way to get back on level terms with Bruno Guimaraes pulling one back before substitute Will Osula levelled in the 88th minute.
But during the 11 minutes of the stoppage time, there was still time for one last twist and it fell in the way of Liverpool as 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha popped up in the 100th minute to inflict a devastating defeat on Newcastle.
Newcastle United’s new quadruple blow heading into Leeds United clash
As well as coming away without any points, Newcastle head into this weekend’s trip to Elland Road with one player ruled out and three serious doubts.
Gordon had been acting as the emergency striker in the absence of Alexander Isak but will now miss the next three domestic games through suspension due to Premier League rules. That will see either Osula lead the line, or Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes or Jacob Murphy deployed as a makeshift strike.
And in midfield, the Magpies are concerned about Joelinton and Sandro Tonali after the pair were forced off in the second half. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar looks set to be ruled out of playing against Leeds due to concussion protocols.
“They're genuine injuries that come up in the middle of the game, and that would be a huge blow to us,” Howe said. “Joey doesn't look great, to be honest, especially when the signal was so early when he went down.
“Sandro, again doesn’t look good, couldn't move his arm. He said he wanted to stay on, but he wasn't functioning properly. Obviously, we lose Anthony through suspension and Fabian through a concussion.”
Newcastle United duo could make full debuts at Leeds United
New signings Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw made their debuts after coming off the bench versus Liverpool and could now be promoted into the starting XI.
Ramsey slotted into the midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley, while Thiaw partnered Dan Burn at centre-half when Schar was withdrawn.
Read More
“Yes, I thought they both did well, and I think that's the big moment for them, because I think you only truly feel part of the club when you play as a player,” Howe said. “So, yes, I think they can be really pleased. They're now into their rhythm, and they're going to be hugely involved.”
Alexander Isak uncertainity continues
The fifth and final absentee, as it stands, will be Isak, with the Swede refusing to play in an attempt to force through a move to Liverpool. Newcastle will make a fresh attempt to get Isak back involved this week but there are no guarantees.
“Yes, I think that's the idea from everyone,” Howe said when about needing clarity on the Isak situation, “Our side, Newcastle's side, is we want clarity, we want to move forward, we want the narrative to change because we're in the start of the season now, we're into the action and we've got to get results and we've got to try and focus on what we can control.
“We've given two really, really good performances, we've ended up at one point. That's tough for us to take, especially in this moment, when you're looking for positive to cling to. But we battled through and we've now got on to lead.”
Continue Reading