Arne Slot’s Rio Ngumoha comments say it all as Liverpool’s teenage hero announces himself

Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic last-gasp winner against Newcastle United on his Premier League debut to preserve a 100 percent record for reigning champions Liverpool

Arne Slot hailed Liverpool’s wonderkid Rio Ngumoha after the 16-year-old’s last gasp winner settled a five goal classic. Ngumoha, who does not turn 17 until Friday when he will sign his first pro contract, grabbed a 100th minute winner after a night of high drama at St James’s Park.

Ten man Newcastle, who had Anthony Gordon sent off, fought back from 2-0 down with their own superb Will Osula grabbing an 88th minute leveller before Ngumoha’s stunning winner. Liverpool boss Slot said: “It was a great goal for a 16-year-old.

“Rio can finish so well for his age. 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.

“I’m not too sure it was a football match today. It was set-piece after set-piece, long-throw after long-throw. We didn’t collapse and stood strong. We didn’t play well enough on the ball. I don’t think there was so much open play. But we showed incredible character and kept fighting until the end.”

Liverpool captain Virgin van Dijk said: “It’s a dream debut for him. I think that whole attack was quite good. I think Harvey [Elliott] started it or our right-hand side and Fede [Chiesa] did the dummy. It was a perfect attack. We stayed calm at the end to find the right solution to score the goal.

READ MORE: Transfer News LIVE: Liverpool face Isak decision, Spurs eye Paqueta after Arsenal blow, Man Utd latestREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher slams Liverpool with brutal analysis despite last-gasp Newcastle winner

“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. I’m sure with the players we have he will be back in training and having a hard session tomorrow again.

“We all know it’s a difficult place to come. We know there was a lot of oil on the fire this week to get Newcastle fired up. What happened tonight was expected and, for us, the disappointing part was that we conceded two set pieces. That shouldn’t happen but overall great three points, move on and focus on the next one.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: “I think great performance form the players, both first and second half in very different ways., First half we thought we dominated the game. we were in a great place with just the goal missing.

“Second half we had a mountain to climb at 2-0 down with 10 men but I thought we controlled the game. I thought we were really good and fought our way back unbelievably well but couldn’t get over the line to get a point.

”I think it’s tough to play against 11 men, especially against a team with the quality of Liverpool. The first goal was key, it gave us belief, it got us back into the match and we always felt if the margin was one we’d be able to get something from the match.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.