St. James’ Park witnessed another unforgettable clash as Liverpool edged Newcastle 3–2 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from debutant Rio Ngumoha. The Reds, who had controlled possession but were pegged back by a spirited Newcastle fightback, sealed all three points deep into added time to break home hearts.
Ryan Gravenberch’s precise strike and Hugo Ekitike’s finish had given Liverpool a commanding 2–0 lead either side of half-time, especially after Anthony Gordon’s controversial red card left Newcastle with ten men. Yet the Magpies rallied: Bruno Guimarães pulled one back with a towering header before William Osula equalised late on.
Just as the hosts sensed a famous point, 18-year-old Ngumoha produced a fairytale moment, tucking home in the 100th minute.
Key Match Moments
Newcastle United and Liverpool produced a Premier League classic at St. James’ Park, with the visitors edging a five-goal thriller 3–2 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from youngster Rio Ngumoha.
After a bright start from Newcastle, it was Liverpool who struck first. In the 35th minute, Ryan Gravenberch tried his luck from distance, his shot taking a nick off two defenders before skidding in off the base of the post to put the Reds ahead. The game swung further in Liverpool’s favour on the stroke of half-time when Anthony Gordon was dismissed following a VAR review. Initially shown a yellow card for catching Virgil van Dijk late, referee Simon Hooper upgraded it to red after checking the monitor.
Barely 20 seconds after the restart, Liverpool doubled their advantage. Hugo Ekitike, making only his second appearance, was involved in the build-up, laying the ball into Cody Gakpo. When the Dutchman’s effort was blocked, it fell kindly back to Ekitike, who side-footed a clinical finish in off the post to make it 2–0.
Against the odds, Newcastle roared back. On 57 minutes, Tino Livramento curled in a teasing cross after his own long throw was headed back to him, and Bruno Guimarães rose highest to nod a powerful header past Alisson. St. James’ Park erupted when, with just two minutes left, William Osula capped off a remarkable comeback. Nick Pope launched a free-kick long, Dan Burn challenged in the air, the ball flicked off Ibrahima Konaté, and Osula raced through to slot under Alisson for 2–2.
But Liverpool had the final word. In the 100th minute, substitute Rio Ngumoha, making his Premier League debut, found himself in the right place at the right time. The teenager kept his composure to finish past Pope, silencing the home crowd and sealing all three points for the visitors.
Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool match Stats
| Stat | Newcastle | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 37% | 63% |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.93 | 0.33 |
| Total Shots | 10 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Big Chances | 4 | 2 |
| Corners | 6 | 1 |
| Passes | 237 | 435 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
source: official match data – 25 Aug 2025
Despite fewer shots and chances, Liverpool’s clinical edge told — while Newcastle’s wastefulness (0.93 xG vs 0.33) summed up their frustration.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William called this a “huge early-season statement” from Liverpool:
“Ngumoha’s late winner is the story, but Liverpool’s ability to stay composed with ten men against them shows resilience. Newcastle created big chances but their lack of ruthlessness cost them.
Key Insights
- Liverpool snatched victory with Ngumoha’s 100th-minute goal.
- Newcastle fought back from 0–2 to 2–2 despite Gordon’s red card.
- Reds dominated possession but had fewer chances overall.
- xG suggests Newcastle edged quality of opportunities.
- Ngumoha’s dream debut will be remembered as one of the season’s early highlights.
What’s Next
Liverpool’s perfect start continues, with Slot’s side showing depth and spirit as new signings integrate. For Newcastle, it’s another painful lesson in discipline and finishing — they will need to rebound quickly with a trip to Leeds United next up.
Was Ngumoha’s late winner a sign of Liverpool’s title credentials — or proof Newcastle still lack the cutting edge to compete?
2 Comments (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 25 Aug 2025 22:17
This game was special! What a game, this is why I love the premier league! Newcastle were strong with 10 to come back was sensational an amazing match. Probably the youngest goalscorer after Wayne Rooney?
By Adem 25 Aug 2025 22:16
What did we let goooooo -
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