Rio Ngumoha's dream Premier League debut reached its climax in the 100th minute at St James' Park when the 16-year-old fired home a dramatic winner for Liverpool. The teenager became the club's youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer at just 16 years and 361 days old, capping a remarkable comeback victory against Newcastle United.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk delivered an immediate reality check to the young hero after the 3-2 victory. "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," Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
The Dutch defender praised the build-up to Ngumoha's winner but stressed the importance of maintaining perspective. "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."
Dramatic comeback victory
Liverpool looked comfortable when Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike put them 2-0 ahead early in the second half. Newcastle were also reduced to 10 men when Anthony Gordon received a red card after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card for a challenge on Van Dijk.
Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back for the Magpies before Will Osula thought he had rescued a point with an equaliser. However, substitute Ngumoha had the final say, finishing a move that Van Dijk described as "quite good" with Harvey Elliott starting the attack and Federico Chiesa providing a crucial dummy.
The victory vindicated Liverpool's transfer strategy after they rejected pursuing Bradley Barcola and Rodrygo specifically to protect Ngumoha's development pathway, according to the Daily Mail.
Defensive concerns persist
The match marked the second time in as many games that Liverpool surrendered a two-goal lead, following their opening day scare against Bournemouth. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the worrying defensive start to the season.
"If you want to be where we want to be at the end of the season, you have to start keeping clean sheets," Slot told BBC Sport. "We've conceded too many goals, but we have scored too."
Jamie Carragher specifically criticised Ibrahima Konate's performance, describing the defender as being "all over the place" and having a "really poor start", according to the Daily Mail.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Liverpool Echo", "Daily Star", "Daily Mail", "Sky Sports", "BBC Sport"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
