Arne Slot’s five-word message to Rio Ngumoha caught on camera after Liverpool heroics

Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic last-minute winner as Liverpool beat Newcastle on Monday night and the cameras picked up manager Arne Slot’s interaction with the starlet

Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be heard telling Rio Ngumoha to enjoy the moment after the teenager’s stunning debut at St James’ Park. Ngumoha arrived as a late substitute after Newcastle had pegged the champions back from 2-0 to 2-2, only to slam home a winner in the 10th minute of added time.

In footage after the final whistle, Slot made a beeline for the 16-year-old to congratulate him on the achievement. “What a moment – enjoy it!” the Dutchman said – with the cameras picking up the interaction.

Ngumoha was given his first-team chance by Slot after impressing in pre-season. The teenager scored in a 5-0 victory over Stoke in July, and then added an effort against Athletic Club in early August.

He made his senior debut last season in the FA Cup against Accrington but was left waiting for a first Premier League matchday chance. He was an unused substitute in the Community Shield, and again in the Premier League opener at home to Bournemouth, before finally getting that chance from the bench against Newcastle.

Ngumoha didn’t have much time to make an impact after entering the field alongside Harvey Elliott in a double change. He didn’t need long, though, sending a crisp first-time finish beyond Nick Pope and into the back of the net.

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“Rio can finish so well for his age,” Slot said after the match. “I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch but he is so confident. For his age he is a really good finisher.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk also heaped praise on the youngster, saying: “I’m very pleased for Rio, I’ve said it to him already it all starts now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this because these nights, you can’t take them for granted if you’re in his position.”

Earlier, Ryan Gravenberch had fired Liverpool into a half-time lead, with Newcastle going down to 10 men moments before the break as Anthony Gordon was sent off. Hugo Ekitike doubled the visitors’ lead, only for Bruno Guimaraes to give Newcastle hope.

Substitute Will Osula brought Newcastle level, only for Ngumoha to have the last word. He kept his cool to find the corner after Dominik Szoboszlai left a Mohamed Salah cross, sending the visiting fans wild.

“I think Dom just knew I was there,” Ngumoha said. “He said to me in the changing room ‘I hoped you were there’ and then luckily he just looked and then I was there. As the ball came I just thought I back myself to score and then… I don’t even know, it’s crazy.”

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