Rio Ngumoha, a 16-year-old substitute, scored a 100th-minute winner to give Liverpool a dramatic 3-2 victory over 10-man Newcastle United at St James' Park. The match was overshadowed by the ongoing transfer saga involving Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who was absent from the squad amid reports of a potential move to Anfield.
Newcastle started brightly, fuelled by the crowd's anger over Liverpool's pursuit of Isak and their hijacking of a move for Hugo Ekitiké. Anthony Gordon, deputising for Isak, missed several chances before being sent off in first-half stoppage time for a reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk. Ryan Gravenberch had earlier given Liverpool the lead with a deflected strike in the 35th minute.
Liverpool doubled their advantage early in the second half through Ekitiké, who reacted quickest to a rebound after Cody Gakpo's shot was blocked. However, Newcastle fought back and substitute Will Osula levelled the score in the 89th minute, setting the stage for Ngumoha's heroics deep into added time.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the match as 'not a football match' due to its chaotic nature. The win keeps Liverpool in contention for the Carabao Cup, while Newcastle's frustrations were compounded by the earlier rejection of a £50m bid for striker Jørgen Strand Larsen.
