Arne Slot shares what one Liverpool player said about Rio Ngumoha’s Newcastle goal in the changing room at full-time

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Liverpool had to work for a dramatic 3-2 win against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Reds looked to be cruising towards a win on Tyneside having seen Anthony Gordon sent off and put themselves into a 2-0 lead.

However, the walls came crashing down in the second-half, with Liverpool crumbling under the pressure from Newcastle and a fervent home crowd.

In the end, the Magpies’ comeback only served to make Rio Ngumoha‘s first ever senior competitive goal even more special, as the teenager came up with a huge moment.

It was a delightful finish from Ngumoha, and as Jeremie Frimpong celebrated in his living room, the Liverpool players went mad on the pitch.

But once they got behind the closed doors of the changing room, Arne Slot says he heard what Ngumoha’s teammates really thought of his debut goal.

Liverpool players thrilled with Rio Ngumoha finish

You have to hand it to Slot. Having seen their team throw away such a comfortable lead, not many would have chucked a 16-year-old into the mix.

But immediately when he came on Ngumoha showed what he was all about, taking on two or three Newcastle defenders at a time.

Somehow, there was not a black and white jersey in sight when he stuck the ball past Nick Pope, but he struck it home like a player twice his age.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Slot admitted that some of Liverpool’s senior players were even in awe at how well Ngumoha did to take the shot first time.

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“It was a great goal for a 16-year-old,” he said. “Rio [Ngumoha] 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.”

Ngumoha in the right place for Liverpool

At this point of the game, Ngumoha was exactly the right player for Liverpool to run onto the ball from Mohamed Salah.

The former Chelsea talent is completely fearless. He has no baggage at all, and his eyes must have lit up as the ball came into his path.

Hugo Ekitike has shown that he could have been the man to take the chance, and Salah himself would have fancied it too, but the moment was Ngumoha’s.

Liverpool fans have seen throughout pre-season that the youngster can have an impact in the first team. On Monday, he proved that beyond any doubt.