Liverpool have pulled off one of the most dramatic victories of the early Premier League season, completing a sensational late turnaround with teenager Rio Ngumoha thundering in the decisive 100th-minute strike to beat Newcastle United 3-2 at a white-hot St James’ Park.
The night began with Liverpool in the ascendancy. Against the run of play, Ryan Gravenberch unleashed a low-drive from range that nestled inside Nick Pope’s near post in the 35th minute, silencing the home crowd.
Just before the half-time whistle, the match exploded. Anthony Gordon’s reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk – initially booked, then upgraded to a red card after VAR – left Newcastle down to ten men and rattled the hosts.
Liverpool struck again immediately after the restart: Hugo Ekitike, the club’s marquee signing this summer, slotted home to make it 2-0 inside just seconds of the second half beginning.
For all their initial dominance, Liverpool’s control unravelled. Newcastle showed resilience: Bruno Guimarães halved the deficit with a powerful header in the 57th minute, and substitute William Osula stunned the Reds by equalising in the 88th minute.
And yet, the night wasn’t done.
As the clock ticked into the 10th minute of stoppage time, Liverpool introduced Rio Ngumoha. On his Premier League debut—and already Liverpool’s youngest-ever scorer—he ghosted into the box and coolly converted a Mohamed Salah cut-back to send the away end wild, sealing a 3-2 win that will live long in the memory.
Ngumoha: A Star Is Born
At just 16 years old, Rio Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer—and the youngest game-winner in Premier League history, narrowly eclipsing even Wayne Rooney
A product of Chelsea’s academy, Ngumoha joined Liverpool in summer 2024, impressed during pre-season, and now announces himself in unforgettable fashion. Manager Arne Slot has unearthed a sensational talent—one capable of delivering on the grandest stages at just 16.
What This Means
Liverpool remain perfect after two Premier League games—six points earned, and nerves of steel tested and proven
Newcastle, still without a win, are left ruing lost leads, missed opportunities, and the red card that ultimately proved decisive.
The Alexander Isak saga—his ongoing fallout and absence—hovered over an already volatile encounter, adding further intrigue to the night.
