Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage-time winner sealed a memorable victory for Liverpool at St James’ Park, as the 16-year-old struck in the 100th minute to snatch all three points.
The Magpies, who played the entire second half with ten men, thought they had salvaged a point when William Osula netted late on, only for Ngumoha to fire home in the 100th minute, sealing all three points for the visitors.
It was a thrilling encounter under the lights at St James’ Park, and here are three key takeaways from the game.
Newcastle’s Home Form Will Be Formidable Once Again
The atmosphere on Monday night was nothing short of electric, as it so often is, and it carried Newcastle through large spells of dominance – particularly in the opening 30 minutes.
Even after the red card, the hosts remained the better side for large parts of the encounter.
According to FotMob, between the 46th minute and the 90th minute, the Reds created an expected goals (xG) of zero, despite the man advantage.
St James’ Park remains one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League. Monday’s result didn’t reflect that, but the performance showed why few teams relish travelling there.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fantasy Football Matchweek 3: Buy, Sell, Injury Report
Liverpool’s Defensive Issues Persist, but Saved by Rio Ngumoha’s Stoppage-Time Winner
So far this season, Liverpool’s defence has looked off the pace, and once again that was the case on Monday.
So far this season (including pre-season), Arne Slot’s side has conceded an average of 1.9 goals per game and are still searching for their first clean sheet.
Compare these stats to last season, when they conceded just 1.2 goals a game and kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League, the signs are worrying.
Whether it’s down to weaker defensive full-backs, an unbalanced midfield, or a combination of the two, Slot needs to find a solution quickly.
With four days still left in the transfer window, the solution could be another signing. Liverpool have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who would be a major defensive upgrade.
Without this improvement, Liverpool will struggle to sustain a title challenge.
Isak’s Absence Is a Major Blow for Newcastle
If this wasn’t obvious enough already, not having Alexander Isak available will limit Newcastle up-front.
They failed to make their dominance count in front of goal; chance after chance went begging, and you feel that if the Swede was playing, they may have gone on to win the game.
If Isak continues to refuse to play or ends up leaving, Newcastle have little choice but to bring a reinforcement in.
Jørgen Strand Larsen has already been linked, with a $50 million bid having already been rejected.
While he may not be at the same level as Isak, the Norwegian had a respectable 14 goals in the league last season and playing in a side that dominates and creates more chances, he could thrive and produce a similar output to that of Isak.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / News Images
Recording Date: 25.08.2025