8/25/25 at St. James’ Park

You could cut the tension with a knife at St. James’ Park. The transfer saga with the Reds and the Geordies over their Swedish striker, Alexander Isak has caused turmoil up north. From the whistle, this game was more than just the second match of the new Premier League campaign. It was about pride. And Newcastle was prepared to show what their teammate was missing out on.

Liverpool began the match with a forward trio of Gakpo, Ekitiké, and Salah. As the ten, Arne Slot chose the new summer signing, Wirtz. And as the pivot, Jones, and Gravenberch filled in. Defensively, they played Kerkez on the left, Van Dijk and Konaté in the middle, and Szoboszlai as the right-back. Alisson Becker then rounded out the team in net.

On the flip side, the home team started with a front three of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Anthony Elanga. In the middle, they played with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton. In defense, they played Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento. Finally, Nick Pope stood between the posts.

The home team came out strong and aggressive. Liverpool seemed on their heels at times as a result of the rampant press from Newcastle. The game was moving quick, and neither team could string passes together for more than a few moments. Simultaneously, Newcastle was the team creating more chances, making runs, and fighting in their oppositions half.

It may have been because of the press, or the fact that they were getting bullied, but the Reds often resorted to balls from deep in their own territory. Thus, Newcastle would win the ball so high up the pitch that Liverpool found themselves panicking for much of the first thirty minutes. However, it only takes one chance to change the course of a match completely. That moment was delivered by Liverpool’s number six, Ryan Gravenberch. His prayer from 25 yards out found the bottom-left corner. Nick Pope could simply stand in awe. Liverpool led one to nil on the verge of halftime.

The remaining ten minutes or so seemed like a different game entirely. Liverpool seemed more patient. More calm. It was their game to lose, and they were in control. But, Newcastle was not out of it quite yet. Eddie Howe’s side persisted adamantly in their press, creating moments in which Liverpool looked vulnerable. However, there is a limit to just how aggressive you should be on the press. Newcastle learned that the hard way.

A thirty meter sprint, and Anthony Gordon threw his leg out in an attempt to deflect a pass from Liverpool’s skipper. This ended up with his studs straight into his calf. A quick VAR review and Newcastle’s deadliest attacker was sent off. Not a great way to end the first period.

Fast-forward through halftime, which almost certainly consisted of a tantalizing lecture from Eddie Howe, and Liverpool was already striding forward. Hugo Ekitiké picked up the ball in his own half, and carried it straight to the final third. He laid the ball off to Gakpo, and with some luck, it ended up right back with him on the penalty spot. It was his first chance of the game, and he slotted it with ease. It was as if it was shooting practice to end off training. Two to nil in Liverpool’s favor. Newcastle playing with ten men. The script couldn’t have been written better for the Red’s second match of the season.

Something, however, seemed to set off Newcastle in a direction that no one could have anticipated. Following the second goal, the game resorted back to its original state. Scrappy, aggressive, and not much football. There were many set pieces for the home side, in which they almost always elected Nick Pope to take. This allowed them to essentially eliminate the red card, and ultimately, make things really hard for Liverpool. One set piece in particular, from nearly midfield, was not the brightest moment for the Reds. In one of the rare free kicks not taken by Pope, Livramento swung a ball in for Guimarães. The Brazilian absolutely toppled over Milos Kerkez, and headed the ball into the back of the net. It was riveting, and Newcastle’s players and fans found hope once again.

With more and more set pieces, and more struggle to build up play for the Reds, they were so often found sitting deep. With a deep back line, they allowed themselves to come on to the ball. Likely, this was a tactic implemented by Slot, in hopes to cover their defensive holes shown previously this season. The clock ticked towards ninety, and there was one more set piece to be taken by Newcastle from their own half. Liverpool chose a high line, as they didn’t want a chance created in their final third in the 88th minute. This came back to bite them. Taken by Nick Pope, the ball found itself bouncing off Konaté’s back, and towards William Osula. He took a chance on a fifty-fifty, and found the net. Somehow, some way, Newcastle found themselves back in the game. And they weren’t settling for a draw. With eleven minutes of injury time, they had a chance to win the game. A man down, and they were scaring the Premier League title holders like it was nothing.

The Reds couldn’t string together passes. They looked timid and were clearly ready for the final whistle. Even with Arne Slot’s substitutions, Newcastle continued to press forward. Except for the one chance Liverpool could create. It only takes one chance. Their build-up play took a 180 degree turn. They moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the next. The ball touched every single player in Red as it made it’s way towards the other side of the field. They had to get the ball in the box, or else they’d be leaving with one point.

Bradley found Chiesa. Chiesa to Salah. Salah then played a ball into the box towards Szoboszlai who let it roll through his legs. There waiting, was Liverpool’s new starboy. 16 year-old Rio Ngumoha. You’d think the boy would be scared. You’d think he would fumble the opportunity in front of him. Absolutely not. He took the ball first-time and curled it into the side netting. Liverpool’s youngster was the hero, and this was a night he would never forget.

The game ended three to two. It was one of the most entertaining matches the Premier League had seen in a long time. Liverpool secured the three points, and now head home to prepare for their game at the weekend, against Arsenal.

Although exciting, Liverpool can’t live off these magical moments to win games. First Chiesa, and now Ngumoha. This was now their second game in a row in which they lost a two goal lead. It can’t continue. For a side with dreams of a consecutive Premier League titles, they need to learn to take their opponent out of the game when they can.

As for Newcastle, they now have started the league with a draw and a loss. Not great by any standard. Especially for their quality. However, I think this game said a lot about Newcastle. They are hungry, relentless, and a side that should not be trifled with. Although their start hasn’t been ideal, I expect things to start moving in the right direction for the Geordies.