Football fans were treated to a Premier League thriller on Monday night as 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha stepped off the bench to score a 100th-minute winner for Liverpool, snatching a 3-2 victory away from a valiant but luckless 10-man Newcastle United.
First-Half Battle: Red Card Turns the Tide
Liverpool started brightly, with Ryan Gravenberch breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute, his thunderous drive from outside the box leaving Nick Pope helpless. Newcastle, however, remained competitive and carried a threat through Anthony Gordon, who was Newcastle’s most dangerous outlet until he rashly lunged into Virgil van Dijk during first-half stoppage time.
The red card left Eddie Howe’s men facing an uphill task against the reigning champions, but it didn’t kill the spirit at St James’ Park.
Ekitiké Opens His Account, Toon Fight Back
Just 20 seconds into the second half, new Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitiké – once linked with Newcastle himself – doubled the visitors’ lead with a clinical finish, seemingly putting the contest beyond reach.
But Newcastle rallied with impressive character despite being a man down. Bruno Guimaraes gave them hope in the 57th minute, rising to nod home a well-placed cross. The crowd erupted, roaring their side forward as wave after wave of attacks put Liverpool’s shaky backline under pressure.
Late Drama: From Despair to Euphoria
The pressure eventually told when substitute William Osula peeled away from Ibrahima Konaté to stab home an equaliser in the 88th minute, sending St James’ Park into delirium.
At that moment, it looked like Newcastle had rescued a deserved point after a spirited fightback. Yet football had one last twist.
With Liverpool pushing desperately in stoppage time, Mohamed Salah threaded a pass into the box. Dominik Szoboszlai, deployed out of position at right-back, showed brilliant awareness to dummy the ball, letting it run perfectly into the path of Ngumoha.
The 16-year-old debutant showed remarkable composure for his age, opening up his body and curling the ball into the far corner. Timed at 99:44, it was the fourth-latest winner in Premier League history.
History Made: Ngumoha Joins Elite Company
Ngumoha became:
Liverpool’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer.
The fourth-youngest scorer in Premier League history (behind Vaughan, Milner & Rooney).
Only the second 16-year-old to score a PL winner, alongside Wayne Rooney.
For Liverpool fans, it felt like the birth of a new star. For Newcastle, it was heartbreak – they had given everything with ten men, only to be undone at the death.
What It Means
Liverpool: Maintain a perfect start under Arne Slot, joining Arsenal and Tottenham at the top of the table. Questions remain about their defensive frailties, but the character shown – and emergence of Ngumoha – will encourage fans.
Newcastle: Still winless, sitting 15th with just one point. The performance, though, showed resilience and fighting spirit, even amid transfer uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak.
Final Word
This match had everything: goals, a red card, controversy, a late twist, and a teenage hero. It will be remembered as the night Rio Ngumoha announced himself to the Premier League in unforgettable fashion.
