Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in what was an early contender for the Premier League’s game of the season.
The Magpies had clawed their way back into the clash after going two goals down with ten men.
However, Liverpool would snatch the three points in the dying embers when youngster Rio Ngumoha pierced in a cross from Mohamed Salah.
Newcastle will feel they deserved more after a spirited performance, but Liverpool were more clinical and sealed the win to make it two wins from two, while Eddie Howe’s side has only a point so far.
With that in mind, let’s look at five things we learnt from this cracking showdown between Newcastle and Liverpool.
Liverpool’s defence could be their Achilles heel this season
Liverpool are shaky defensively this season, and it could be a massive problem in the future.
New signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong are still adapting, while Ibrahima Konate suffered a massive dip in form. The Reds are not as solid as they looked last season.
Liverpool have already conceded four league goals this season after two matchdays. The fourth goal Liverpool shipped last term came in gameweek eight.
Against Bournemouth and Newcastle, the Merseyside outfit allowed the opponent back into the game and manager Arne Slot needs to fix the leaky rearguard, or it could derail the season.
Newcastle show incredible fighting spirit vs Liverpool
A disappointing transfer window marked by rejections, a talisman on strike, and a drab opening-day result had Newcastle fans beleaguered.
Nevertheless, the Geordies will be proud of their team after this display.
Newcastle played Liverpool off the park in the first 45 minutes, and not many teams can withstand that heat in the cauldron that was St. James’ Park yesterday.
Even after going two goals down, the fight to get back into the game was remarkable and awe-inspiring.
Their defence in the dying moments left a lot to be desired, and the spate of injuries and suspensions that followed this game is worrying.
Still, Howe’s men need to use this performance as a benchmark and springboard as they bid to bounce back from this poor start. It was a fighting display.
Newcastle have a striker that scores, not named Alexander Isak
The build-up to this game was dominated by Alexander Isak, who wasn’t even slated to feature, as the Newcastle forward continued to strike to force a move through to Liverpool.
Howe lined up with Anthony Gordon as his centre-forward, and the Englishman was outstanding before a headless challenge that led to his sending off.
Later on, Howe threw on the sparingly used William Osula as a Hail Mary. It proved the right call, as the Dane responded with a well-taken goal to equalise for the Magpies.
Osula has only three goals and two assists in 21 appearances for Newcastle, but this strike and Gordon’s suspension should earn him a starting spot versus Leeds United on Saturday.
Osula could prove a valuable weapon, especially with Isak still refusing to play after a Newcastle delegation went to visit him in his home during the game.
Howe needs to give Osula a chance to prove his mettle.
Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha is quite the talent
Liverpool needed a win and turned to 16-year-old Ngumoha from the bench. In an unforgettable moment, he was the difference-maker, finishing expertly in the 100th minute. He looks special.
Ngumoha dazzled in pre-season, so much so that the Reds held off on moves for left-wingers like Malick Fofana, Rodrygo, and Bradley Barcola to not block his development path. It looks like an excellent call.
Ngumoha is a mesmerising winger who is a full-back’s nightmare, and he has the end-product to follow his bedazzling runs.
The former Chelsea starlet became the fourth youngest player to score in Premier League history and seemingly has a bright future ahead.
Having Cody Gakpo ahead of him is perfect. He can be an exciting option off the bench, developing into a lethal forward. Remember the name!
Liverpool’s £116 million man fails to catch fire as Hugo Ekitike shines
While Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed a blistering start to life in Merseyside with three goals in three games for Liverpool, Florian Wirtz is still finding his feet in English football.
Wirtz struggled to influence the game from his advanced midfield position, getting hooked in the second half after another underwhelming showing.
The German playmaker is yet to get going, and fans will be hoping he can find his groove soon. He can be a game-changer for the Reds, but he needs to play his way into form.
Slot is likely to remain patient, knowing Wirtz’s ceiling is enormous, but the pressure will only grow with every quiet performance.
Liverpool paid elite money for a player expected to transform their attacking midfield position, and the Kop will demand more as the season unfolds.