Newcastle United lose to reigning champions Liverpool at St. James Park
Watch highlights on this page
Gravenberch scores opener against run of play
Gordon sent off for late challenge on Van Dijk before Ekitike doubles lead
Guimaraes gives hosts hope with goal before Osula levels
16-year-old Ngumoha scores in 100th minute to restore Liverpool lead
Alexander Isak not involved as he remains wanting out from Newcastle
Newcastle unchanged, Gravenberch & Jones start for visitors
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FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Another boring game in the Premier League...not!
That was breathless, that was chaotic, that was utterly compelling.
What were you doing at 16?
Rio Ngumoha: A star is born.
Goodnight.
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Leew32: I would be fuming with Anthony Gordon if I were a Newcastle supporter or player. Let the side down massively. Absolutely no need for that challenge.
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to BBC Sport: "Relief, because if you are 2-0 up against 10 men...they brought it back to 2-2 and maybe it was even deserved. Then they had more chances than we had. Their fans were so loud - wow! It was an amazing atmosphere. To end with a goal during the best attack we had...the feeling is relief. We found a way to win."
On 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha scoring: "He is not afraid to play. It's a great finish, great attack from the whole team."
On conceding two goals: "if you want to be where we want to be at the end of the season, you have to start keeping clean sheets. We've conceded too many goals, but we have scored too."
On signing players before next Monday's transfer deadline: "We should talk about the game and Hugo Ekitike scoring for the third game in a row. This is not the moment or the place to say anything else."
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC MOTD on William Osula's goal: "It was a great finish from him and a big moment for us because at that moment you think could we go on and win the game. We put a lot of set plays into their box, we asked a lot of questions of them defensively but you always feel in that moment, especially with 11 minutes of injury time there's always going to be chances for both teams and unfortunately, they took two of theirs in that second half. It's a great finish from their perspective. We'd be disappointed with how we conceded that, even though we had a man less."
On the injuries: I don't know with Joe and Sandro, it doesn't look good when a player comes off, especially because both looked in a little bit of pain, they'd be huge blow for us if they're not available. Anthony will be suspended and Fabian had concussion, so not good."
On Gordon's red card: "I've only seen it once back and it was very quick as the game was going on. I think Anthony was going in full blooded into the challenge and he's tried to pull out and slipped and his momentums taken him in. It didn't look good but I don't think there was any intent."
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Image source, ReutersAged 16 years and 361 days, Rio Ngumoha is Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer.
His 100th-minute winner meant he bettered the Reds' previous best held by Ben Woodburn, who was on the scoresheet against Leeds United in November 2016 when 17 years and 45 days old.
Ngumoha arrived at Liverpool last September and became the second-youngest appearance-maker in the club's history last January. when he started the FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley at Anfield.
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Local Pigeon: What. A. Player. Rio Ngumoha looked fantastic in pre-season, looked even better today. How Chelsea let him leave I'll never know.
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he missed his side's second goal - 20 seconds into the second half - as he was still making his way back to the bench.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Slot adds: "I don't think my team has scored a goal so fast. I kept on walking and my assistant said we had scored!"
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe speaking to BBC MOTD: "I think it was a great performance from the players, both first and second half in very different ways., First half we thought we dominated the game. we were in a great place with just the goal missing. Second half we had a mountain to climb at 2-0 down with 10 men but I thought we controlled the game. I thought we were really good and fought our way back unbelievably well but couldn't get over the line to get a point.
"I think it's tough to play against 11 men, especially against a team with the quality of Liverpool. The first goal was key, it gave us belief, it got us back into the match and we always felt if the margin was one we'd be able to get something from the match."
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
It's Liverpool against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Third versus top.
Will Rio Ngumoha, who turns 17 on Friday, be involved?
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What a battle! Best match of the season, Newcastle can hold their heads high. Shame on you, ISAK, you’re a disgrace, that’s what playing for the Toon means, you battle to the end, you don’t give up.
Rosemary Grant - Ashington Northumberland
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm not too sure it was a football match today. It was set-piece after set-piece, long- throw after long-throw. We didn't collapse and stood strong. We didn't play well enough on the ball. I don't think there was so much open play.
"It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio [Ngumoha] can finish so well for his age. I did hear someway say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch but he is so confident. For his age he is a really good finisher."
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports about 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's winning goal: "It's a dream debut for him. I think that whole attack was quite good. I think Harvey started it or our right-hand side and Fede 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."
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As an LFC fan, I am extremely happy but also a little miffed. NUFC completely outclassed LFC; we were extremely fortunate to steal that. Well done, Rio, you're a true star in the making. Why Slot didn't introduce him earlier is beyond me. We have all seen in pre-season how talented Rio is, so play him. Once again, hard look to NUFC, who are my 2nd favourite club.
Paul Hughes - Widnes
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports:
"We all know it's a difficult place to come. We know there was a lot of oil on the fire this week to get Newcastle fired up. What happened tonight was expected and, for us, the disappointing part was that we conceded two set pieces. That shouldn't happen but overall great three points, move on and focus on the next one.
"Free-kick, corner kicks the pressure gets on. They had the quality. If you look at the traditional top six here last season there was only a couple that beat them It's always a difficult place to come. I enjoy these type of atmospheres, so I was really looking forward to it but we could've made it easier if we don't give them those set pieces, then you give them the boost and the feeling and the drive with the fans behind them but we managed to get the three points and move on."
On Anthony Gordon's red card challenge on him: "I said to him, if that's not a sending off then I don't understand football. It was strange the referee had to go to the monitor in my opinion. Unfortunately, these things happen in football, if he meant it or not it happened, we move on."
FT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, speaking to Sky Sports, on Anthony Gordon's red card: "I think he wanted to help too much. I think sometimes you are so excited to play you make some mistakes.
"It's happened to me. We always try to give our best. There is a lot of noise outside that we cannot control."
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Always put your money on Liverpool. You will get your entertainment's worth.
Kenneth
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A kid, with the confidence of a man. Rio Ngumoha, what a way to announce yourself!
Kenneth, Glasgow
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
There have been 17 red cards in Premier League games between Newcastle and Liverpool, with only Everton v Liverpool (25) and Liverpool v Man Utd (18) seeing more.
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How have Liverpool won this game? Truly outrageous. Commiserations to Newcastle who gave absolutely everything.
Tim.
16-year-old Ngumoha scores 100th-minute winner as Liverpool beat Newcastle
At a glance
Ryan Gravenberch scores first goal since April 2024
Anthony Gordon sent off in first-half stoppage time
Hugo Ekitike nets second successive league goal
Bruno Guimaraes & Will Osula level
Rio Ngumoha, 16, youngest scorer in Liverpool history with late winner
Liverpool's 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha made history as the youngest scorer in the club's history when he struck with virtually the last kick of a breathless encounter to snatch victory against Newcastle United at a stunned St James' Park.
The atmosphere was red hot, feelings running high after the Reds' lengthy pursuit of the home side's rebel striker Alexander Isak.
And it got the drama it deserved as Newcastle rose off the canvas to rattle the Premier League champions, pulling back to 2-2 after being 2-0 down and despite having Anthony Gordon sent off in first-half stoppage time.
Eddie Howe's men had mounted a frantic early surge on Liverpool's goal but were hit by a sucker punch 10 minutes before the break when Ryan Gravenberch's low shot beat Nick Pope, helped by a slight deflection off Fabian Schar.
A feisty encounter was constantly played on the edge and it boiled over in first-half stoppage time when Gordon, playing up front, was shown a red card by referee Simon Hooper for a rash late challenge on Virgil van Dijk - the decision confirmed after a video assistant referee (VAR) check.
Liverpool stunned the hosts again by doubling their advantage within 30 seconds of the restart when Hugo Ekitike, the striker who snubbed the Magpies to move to Anfield instead, scored with a low, placed right-foot finish.
But, despite being a man down, Newcastle rallied and captain Bruno Guimaraes gave them hope with a diving header at the far post after 57 minutes.
With Liverpool losing their composure under pressure, substitute William Osula got in ahead of Gravenberch to bundle in the equaliser past Alisson after 88 minutes.
Liverpool looked to have thrown away a victory that looked certain in the early moments of the second half - until substitute Ngumoha, at 16 years and 361 days, provided a sensational climax when left unmarked to fire home in the 10th of 11 added minutes.
His winner also made him the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history, behind James Vaughan, James Milner and Wayne Rooney.
Pride, passion & heartbreak - but Newcastle need end to Isak saga
Who is Liverpool match-winner Rio Ngumoha?
Wolves reject £50m Newcastle bid for Strand Larsen
Howe praises 'incredible' Newcastle performance
By Ciaran Kelly, Newcastle United reporter
Newcastle had just suffered a painful defeat right at the death - only you would not have known it. Not by the standing ovation the Geordies afforded their exhausted side at full-time.
Newcastle had run the champions mighty close - and the home support recognised that.
After going 2-0 down and with Gordon dismissed, it had previously felt a long way back for the 10 men. The away end even felt emboldened enough to chant about Isak as they asked Newcastle to "hand him over".
Yet the spirited hosts rallied.
Guimaraes' header reignited the stadium as the captain waved his arms up and down and whipped up the fans after pulling a goal back.
Suddenly it felt like Newcastle were playing with a man advantage at a raucous St James' Park as they swarmed Liverpool and made them retreat.
They would lose Sandro Tonali and Joelinton to injury as well, but still Howe's side kept scrapping as an unlikely scorer stepped up.
Unlikely may seem a strange word to use to describe a striker, but substitute Osula had only previously bagged one top-flight goal for Newcastle, against Ipswich in April, since his arrival from Sheffield United last year.
It has got to the stage where Gordon, a winger by trade, has been picked ahead of the Dane in attack. Yet Osula thought he had snatched a point for his side - only for Ngumoha to score a last-gasp winner.
It was a hammer blow for Newcastle, who will somehow have to regroup and lift themselves for a trip to Leeds United on Saturday - and Howe needs a breakthrough in his search for a striker.
Newcastle, after all, are unable to count on one of the world's best centre-forwards in Isak, and will be without the suspended Gordon for the next three games.
Their search for a replacement for Callum Wilson also goes into the final week of the window after bids for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford's Yoane Wissa were rejected.
Slot relieved Liverpool stayed strong in 'amazing atmosphere'
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was understandably ecstatic when the 16-year-old Ngumoha brought some composure to a wild evening on Tyneside with the calm late finish that gave the Premier League champions a dramatic victory.
It capped a fiery, frenetic encounter that barely let up for a minute, but in which Liverpool cast aside a position of relative comfort to be rocked by 10-man Newcastle, who were backed by a vociferous Toon Army.
Liverpool will take their second successive victory in defence of their crown, but it was also the second time they have given away a two-goal lead, having done the same against Bournemouth in their opening game at Anfield.
As against the Cherries, Liverpool pulled themselves out of trouble late on, but the manner in which they lost their composure so badly, especially with a numerical advantage, will be a serious concern for Slot.
Liverpool were not unsettled by quality football from Newcastle, but by the sheer intensity and force of will from Howe's side.
From looking so calm and measured when winning the title last term, this season they have looked constantly vulnerable in defence, even with the presence of Van Dijk.
The big plus, apart from Ngumoha's effort, was Ekitike scoring for a second successive league game. His clinical low finish showed exactly why Newcastle wanted him so badly before he moved to Liverpool.
Slot will take the victory, but he will have real worries about his side's defensive frailties.
Liverpool's new wonderkid!
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Newcastle United: The Magpies visit Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday (17:30 BST).
Liverpool: The Premier League champions host Arsenal in one of the first blockbuster clashes of the season at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST).
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
|
Manager:Eddie Howe
Formation:4 - 3 - 3
Manager:Arne Slot
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Eddie Howe
Formation:4 - 3 - 3
Manager:Arne Slot
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Newcastle United |
2' | Newcastle United |
3' | Newcastle United |
4' | Liverpool |
5' | Newcastle United |
6' | Newcastle United |
7' | Newcastle United |
8' | Liverpool |
9' | Newcastle United |
10' | Newcastle United |
11' | Newcastle United |
12' | Newcastle United |
13' | Liverpool |
14' | Liverpool |
15' | Liverpool |
16' | Newcastle United |
17' | Newcastle United |
18' | Newcastle United |
19' | Newcastle United |
20' | Newcastle United |
21' | Newcastle United |
22' | Newcastle United |
23' | Newcastle United |
24' | Newcastle United |
25' | Newcastle United |
26' | Newcastle United |
27' | Newcastle United |
28' | Newcastle United |
29' | Newcastle United |
30' | Newcastle United |
31' | Newcastle United |
32' | Newcastle United |
33' | Liverpool |
34' | Liverpool |
35' | LiverpoolGoal |
36' | Liverpool |
37' | Liverpool |
38' | Liverpool |
39' | Liverpool |
40' | Newcastle United |
41' | Newcastle United |
42' | Newcastle United |
43' | Liverpool |
44' | Liverpool |
45' | Liverpool |
45'+1 | Liverpool |
45'+2 | Liverpool |
45'+3 | LiverpoolRed Card |
45'+4 | Liverpool |
45'+5 | Liverpool |
Half time 45'+6 | Liverpool |
46' | LiverpoolGoal |
47' | Liverpool |
48' | Liverpool |
49' | Liverpool |
50' | Liverpool |
51' | Liverpool |
52' | Liverpool |
53' | Liverpool |
54' | Liverpool |
55' | Liverpool |
56' | Liverpool |
57' | LiverpoolGoal |
58' | Newcastle United |
59' | Newcastle United |
60' | Newcastle United |
61' | Newcastle United |
62' | Newcastle United |
63' | Newcastle United |
64' | Newcastle United |
65' | Newcastle United |
66' | Newcastle United |
67' | Newcastle United |
68' | Newcastle United |
69' | Newcastle United |
70' | Newcastle United |
71' | Liverpool |
72' | Liverpool |
73' | Liverpool |
74' | Liverpool |
75' | Liverpool |
76' | Liverpool |
77' | Newcastle United |
78' | Newcastle United |
79' | Newcastle United |
80' | Newcastle United |
81' | Newcastle United |
82' | Newcastle United |
83' | Newcastle United |
84' | Newcastle United |
85' | Newcastle United |
86' | Newcastle United |
87' | Newcastle United |
88' | LiverpoolGoal |
89' | Liverpool |
90' | Liverpool |
90'+1 | Newcastle United |
90'+2 | Newcastle United |
90'+3 | Newcastle United |
90'+4 | Newcastle United |
90'+5 | Newcastle United |
90'+6 | Newcastle United |
90'+7 | Newcastle United |
90'+8 | Liverpool |
90'+9 | Liverpool |
90'+10 | LiverpoolGoal |
90'+11 | Liverpool |
90'+12 | Liverpool |
90'+13 | Liverpool |
Full time 90'+14 | Liverpool |
Premier League
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All competitions
All competitions
Newcastle United have gone 17 Premier League matches without a win against Liverpool (D5 L12) since winning 2-0 back in December 2015 under Steve McClaren. In their league history, they’ve had longer winless runs against Man City (22 between 2006 and 2018) and Man Utd (18 between 2002 and 2011).
Liverpool have won five of their last seven away Premier League games against Newcastle (D2) and have gone 1-0 down in each of their last two visits to St James’ Park before recovering to win (2-1 in 2023-24) and draw (3-3 in 2024-25).
Following a run of six consecutive home Premier League wins between February and mid-May, Newcastle ended the 2024-25 campaign with a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park against Everton. The Magpies have won their first home game of the season in all three seasons under Eddie Howe since losing 4-2 to West Ham in 2021-22 under Steve Bruce.
Liverpool have lost three of their last four away Premier League matches (W1), as many as in their previous 39 combined (W22 D14). The Reds also lost their last two against Chelsea and Brighton, last losing three in a row on the road in February 2023.
Newcastle have gone three consecutive Premier League matches without a goal, having netted 21 goals across their previous eight games beforehand. The Magpies haven’t gone four without a goal since February 2020.
Liverpool have netted 90 goals in 39 Premier League games under Arne Slot, an average of 2.3 per game that is best ratio by any Reds manager in the top-flight. If they score in this game, they’ll equal their longest run of consecutive top-flight games scored in (36 between March 2019 and February 2020).
Anthony Gordon had more shots than any other player on MD1 of this season’s Premier League, with Newcastle forward having seven shots, although he failed to find the net with any of those attempts. It’s the most shots he’s ever had in a Premier League game.
In 14 Premier League appearances against teams (Bournemouth and Newcastle) managed by Eddie Howe, Mohamed Salah has 13 goals and eight assists – the most goals and assists by a player against sides managed by a specific manager in the competition. His 13 goals are the joint-most against a manager’s teams, along with Raheem Sterling against clubs managed by Howe.
Newcastle haven’t scored in any of their last four Premier League matches without Alexander Isak featuring (D2 L2), having 47 shots and accumulating an xG of 5.57 without scoring in these games.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 18 Premier League goals against Newcastle United (10 goals, 8 assists). He has registered at least one assist in each of his last six appearances against the Magpies, the only player to ever achieve that against a club in the competition’s history.
