Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle: 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute winner helps Reds claim barely deserved victory after Magpies bravely fight back from Anthony Gordon red card

The Liverpool wonderkid rescued Arne Slot’s out-of-sorts side as they broke 10-man Newcastle’s hearts in a Premier League classic.

Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage-time winner secured Liverpool an incredible 3-2 victory over a fearless Newcastle United side who played the majority of the game with 10 men.

Newcastle were dominating the Premier League fixture until Ryan Gravenberch’s sucker punch goal from 25 yards stunned the home crowd in the 35th minute. Gordon was then sent off following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk to rub more salt into the wound.

Former Newcastle transfer target Ekitike made it 2-0 with a sumptuous shot 20 seconds into the second half but the home side’s hopes were rekindled thanks to Bruno Guimaraes’ pinpoint header in the 57th minute. The Toon then drew level two minutes from time when William Osula capitalised on some poor defending, but the 16-year-old Reds substitute had the last laugh with a stunning winner in the 100th minute.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (7/10):

The Brazilian was the busier of the two keepers in the first half as he did well to keep Newcastle at bay. There wasn’t much he could do for Newcastle’s goals, though. Without him, they would have lost.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

Handled himself fairly competently in an unfamiliar right-back role and stepped more into midfield when his team had the ball. Produced a lovely dummy for Ngumoha’s winner.

Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

Does not seem to be at the races so far this season. Perhaps the talk of a Liverpool exit, and his stalling over a new deal, are not helping him right now.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

The captain largely led by example at the back, won most of the aerials that came his way and made the defensive line more secure.

Milos Kerkez (6/10):

Was up against the pacy Anthony Elanga, and while the former Manchester United man had him on the back foot, he held his own at times. However, he was outmuscled for Bruno’s headed goal as the Hungarian did some questionable defending