Ngumoha’s 100th-Minute Winner Seals 3-2 Victory for Liverpool Over 10-Man Newcastle in Premier League Classic

Liverpool clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over 10-man Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday, with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha scoring a sensational 100th-minute winner in one of the season’s early thrillers.

The Reds appeared in control after goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike—who had long been a Newcastle transfer target—gave them a 2-0 lead, sandwiched around a red card for Anthony Gordon. The Newcastle winger was sent off for a reckless studs-up challenge on Virgil van Dijk, confirmed after VAR review.

But Newcastle, despite being down to 10 men and missing their star forward Alexander Isak, mounted a spirited comeback. Bruno Guimaraes sparked the fightback with a powerful header before William Osula equalised, capitalising on a flick-on from Dan Burn.

Just when the Magpies looked poised to steal a point, Liverpool’s teenage sensation Ngumoha produced a composed finish deep into stoppage time. Set up by Mohamed Salah and a clever dummy from Dominik Szoboszlai, the 16-year-old curled the ball into the far corner just days before his 17th birthday.

“We believe in the young players at this club,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said post-match. “Ngumoha showed composure beyond his years.”

The victory moves Liverpool level on six points with Tottenham and Arsenal, who they face next at Anfield. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain winless after two matches and continue to grapple with uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future.

Isak, who scored the winner when Newcastle beat Liverpool in last season’s League Cup final to secure their first domestic trophy in 70 years, has yet to feature this campaign. The Swedish forward is reportedly pushing for a move, with Liverpool strongly linked. The Reds have already had a £110 million ($149 million) bid rejected, while Newcastle are holding out for a British-record £150 million.

To add to Newcastle’s frustration, Liverpool also beat them in the race for Ekitike—seen as a potential Isak replacement—who has now scored in both of his opening Premier League matches.

Slot’s bold attacking line-up featured Salah, Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, and new signing Florian Wirtz, while Szoboszlai filled in as a makeshift right-back. Newcastle, by contrast, showed signs of lacking a clinical striker, failing to score against 10-man Aston Villa in a 0-0 draw last week, and again struggled early despite dominating the opening exchanges.

“We’re managing through a tough stretch,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said. “But the fight the players showed—even with ten men—was outstanding.”

Guimaraes led that charge with a fired-up display, even after being booked for dissent. His goal and Osula’s equaliser breathed life into St. James’ Park, but it was Ngumoha who had the final word.

Liverpool now prepare for a key clash with Arsenal on Sunday, while Newcastle look to regroup and potentially resolve the Isak situation before the transfer window closes next week.