Liverpool’s 3-2 triumph over Newcastle at St. James’ Park ended with a remarkable display of humility. Rio Ngumoha, who netted the late winning goal and earned the Man of the Match award, surprised fans by passing the honor to his teammate Cody Gakpo.
After the game, Ngumoha explained his choice: “I’ve given the Man of the Match to him. He gave everything for us to win today.” The gesture quickly garnered widespread praise, with many calling it one of the most admirable moments of the season.
The Match in Brief
The encounter was full of drama and intensity. Newcastle initially took control, racing to a two-goal lead that put Liverpool under significant pressure. However, the Reds gradually fought their way back into the game.
A key figure in Liverpool’s comeback was Cody Gakpo. His intelligent movement, relentless pressing, and creative play consistently troubled Newcastle’s defense. His clever runs, precise passes, and tireless work rate were pivotal in shifting momentum in Liverpool’s favor long before Ngumoha’s decisive goal in the 89th minute.
Gakpo’s Standout Performance
Gakpo’s display was widely acknowledged as the backbone of Liverpool’s victory. Highlights of his performance included:
A match-high rating of 9.5/10
Two crucial assists directly leading to goals
93% passing accuracy despite constant pressure
Seven duels won against Newcastle’s robust defense
Fan and Public Reactions
The moment Ngumoha handed the award to Gakpo sparked a wave of admiration on social media. Supporters praised both players for their humility and team spirit:
“This is what Liverpool is about—respect and togetherness.”
“Ngumoha scored the winner but still gave the award to Gakpo? Legendary.”
“Cody Gakpo was unplayable tonight—he earned it.”
Even neutral fans applauded the gesture, calling it a rare example of true sportsmanship in modern football.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s thrilling victory will be remembered not just for Ngumoha’s late goal, but also for the camaraderie it highlighted. By awarding the Man of the Match to Cody Gakpo, Ngumoha underscored that, at Liverpool, teamwork and humility are just as important as scoring goals.
