The 16-year-old left-winger makes his dream debut by scoring a late winner against the Magpies.
Liverpool edged past Newcastle United in a five-goal Premier League thriller at St James’ Park, as 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha scored a stoppage-time winner to crush the Magpies’ late comeback.
The match began with plenty of drama when Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon was sent off in the first half for a reckless challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Eddie Howe’s side showed incredible fight and nearly pulled off a stunning upset against the reigning champions.
In the opening stages, Gordon looked dangerous, testing Liverpool’s defence with a couple of sharp chances that had Arne Slot pacing his technical area. But it was Liverpool who drew first blood when Ryan Gravenberch unleashed a long-range effort that deflected off Fabian Schär and found the back of the net, silencing the home crowd. Newcastle’s frustrations deepened as Gordon received his marching orders before half-time, leaving the Magpies a goal down and a man short.
Just seconds into the second half, Liverpool doubled their advantage through Hugo Ekitike, who finished clinically after a precise pass from Cody Gakpo. Newcastle, however, refused to surrender. Bruno Guimarães capitalised on a rare lapse in Liverpool’s backline, cutting the deficit to 1-2 and sparking renewed hope inside St James’ Park.
The atmosphere erupted when substitute William Osula, replacing Harvey Barnes, scored an 88th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2. The late strike set up a tense finale, with Liverpool suddenly on the ropes against a 10-man Newcastle determined to snatch an unlikely point.
But just when it looked like Howe’s men had done enough, Liverpool’s teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha stepped up. Introduced in place of Gakpo, the 16-year-old latched onto a loose ball in stoppage time and coolly slotted home the decisive goal, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Reds.
The win keeps Liverpool in third place in the Premier League table, but Arne Slot’s men now face a huge test next weekend when they host league leaders Arsenal at Anfield. For Newcastle United, the spirited performance will provide positives, but Gordon’s costly red card and the late collapse will leave Howe with plenty to ponder.