Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Newcastle at Anfield was nothing short of dramatic, capped off by 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute winner.
Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the first half with a superb long-range strike. Shortly after the break, Hugo Ekitike — the £79 million summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt — netted his third goal in as many games, calmly finishing first-time to put Liverpool 2-0 ahead. He struck so quickly after halftime that manager Arne Slot hadn’t even returned to the touchline.
Newcastle responded with two goals, including an 87th-minute strike, to pile pressure on Liverpool’s flawless start to the campaign. But Ngumoha’s late heroics sealed the Reds’ victory and spotlighted him as a rising star.
Off the pitch, the transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak continues. Despite talks with Newcastle’s hierarchy, the Swedish striker is still intent on forcing a move to Liverpool. According to Fabrizio Romano, his recent meeting with Newcastle’s PIF ownership group failed to change his stance.
Ahead of Monday’s clash at St. James’ Park, Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and PIF officials even visited Isak at home, attempting to convince him to stay. The Daily Mail revealed that the club wants him back in training and prepared to play after he effectively went on strike to push for a transfer.
While Newcastle tried to lure him with the promise of an improved contract, previous broken assurances have left Isak reluctant to negotiate. The Magpies are currently resisting any sale, particularly given financial pressures, which complicates Liverpool’s pursuit.
Still, Romano reports that Liverpool are preparing to launch a formal bid this week to secure his signature
