Liverpool vs Newcastle Player Ratings: Ngumoha is the Hero

The young wonder of the Liverpool He rescued Arne Slot's team from a difficult period and broke the hearts of 10-man Newcastle in a Premier League derby.

Rio Ngumoha's goal in added time secured an incredible 3-2 victory for the Liverpool over a brave Newcastle United who played most of the match with 10 men.

Newcastle were dominating the Premier League encounter until Ryan Gravenberch's surprise goal from 23 yards silenced the home crowd in the 35th minute. Gordon was sent off after a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, adding insult to injury.

Former Newcastle transfer target Ekitike made it 2-0 with a sumptuous strike 20 seconds into the second half, but the home side's hopes were revived by a precise header from Bruno Guimarães in the 57th minute. The Toon equalised two minutes from time when William Osula capitalised on poor defending, but the 16-year-old Reds substitute had the final say with a stunning strike in the 100th minute.

GOAL rates the players of the Liverpool from St James' Park…

Goalkeeper and Defense

Alisson (7/10):
The Brazilian was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the first half, and did well to keep Newcastle at bay. However, he couldn't do much about Newcastle's goals. Without him, the Liverpool would have lost.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
He performed competently in an unfamiliar right-back role and moved deeper into midfield when his team had possession. He executed a beautiful feint for Ngumoha's winning goal.

Ibrahima Konate (5/10):
He doesn't seem to be at his best so far this season. Perhaps the rumors about a possible departure from the Liverpool and his stagnation in contract renewal is not helping him right now.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):
The captain largely led by example in defense, winning most of the aerial duels that came his way and making the defensive line more secure.

Milos Kerkez (6/10):
He faced the speedy Anthony Elanga, and although the former Manchester United player put him under pressure, he managed to defend himself at times. However, he was outmatched on Bruno's header, where the Hungarian displayed questionable defending.

Midfield

Curtis Jones (5/10):
The product of the academy of Liverpool He was part of a midfield that was overmatched at times and looked overwhelmed by Newcastle's ferocity.

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
The returning midfielder looked a little out of sorts at first, but then scored a superb long-range goal to stun the home crowd. He was very active throughout the match.

Florian Wirtz (5/10):
The team's record signing had a couple of nice moments, but many will expect more from the German international in the future.

Attack

Mohamed Salah (6/10):
The Reds legend had few chances in the first 45 minutes, but Newcastle were always aware of his danger.

Hugo Ekitike (7/10):
He had a quiet first half as Dan Burn kept him at bay and Newcastle dominated the game until Gravenberch's goal. But all that was forgotten when he scored his third goal in three games for the club. Liverpool with a clinical definition just after the break.

Cody Gakpo (5/10):
The Dutch international didn't have many opportunities to break out from the left flank and cut inside for his trademark runs. He contributed very little.

Substitutes and Coach

Conor Bradley (5/10):
He received a yellow card upon leaving the bench.

Federico Chiesa (6/10):
He worked hard but didn't have much success against Newcastle's defense.

Harvey Elliott (6/10):
He came in for what could be his last game with the Liverpool, since a summer outing is coming up.

Rio Ngumoha (9/10):
He became an instant hero with an icy finish in the dying breath.

Wataru Endo (S/C):
He came in right at the end.

Arne Slot (7/10):
His team performed well to take a two-goal lead against the run of play, despite being outplayed. Despite having an extra man, they never managed to take control of the game. They showed great determination to secure the victory, and their substitutions made the difference.