‘Got out of jail’ – Jason Cundy shares only reason ‘terrible’ Liverpool beat Newcastle
Liverpool secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over 10-man Newcastle United thanks to Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute winner.
The Reds played the majority of the match with an extra man advantage following Anthony Gordon’s reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk just before half-time.
Liverpool established a two-goal lead through Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike’s fine strikes but were pegged back as Newcastle were roared on by a buoyant St. James’ Park.
Spearheaded by the brilliant Bruno Guimaraes, the Magpies clawed their way back into the match, with the Brazilian scoring a towering header, and substitute William Osula finishing past Alisson after woeful Liverpool defending.
Ngumoha became the youngest scorer in Liverpool history at the age of 16 after finishing off a brilliant team move to ensure that Arne Slot’s side maintain their 100 per cent record at the start of the season.
‘Second-best’ Liverpool incredibly fortunate to beat Liverpool
Despite the euphoria Liverpool fans will be feeling, it is clear that Monday’s performance can’t become the norm if Liverpool are to retain their Premier League title.
talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy was full of praise for Newcastle and believed that Liverpool were incredibly lucky to escape with the win.
He said: “Liverpool were terrible by the way, let’s have it absolutely right, the best side lost.
“Liverpool showed what it’s like to go on and win titles, they did the same last week and managed to go and win it 4-2, the same (happened) tonight – Liverpool got out of jail, make no mistake about it, Liverpool were second best.”
Cundy also criticised Gordon’s challenge on van Dijk, stating that it was the key reason Newcastle failed to get anything from the game.
“It’s not their (Liverpool) fault that Anthony Gordon made a ridiculous decision and that’s pretty much what swung the game.”
Liverpool’s spell either side of half-time ultimately proved to be decisive on the outcome of the match.
- 35mins – Gravenberch scores brilliant 25-yard drive after Liverpool withstand waves of Newcastle dominance
- 45+3mins – Gordon sent off for reckless lunge on van DIjk’s calf
- 46mins – Ekitike coolly slots home from just inside the box 23 seconds after the second half begins
Read more: Jamie Carragher disagrees with what Thierry Henry’s just said about Alexander Isak and Liverpool
Ngumoha announces himself on the biggest stage
Despite the chaotic nature of the game, it is only right that one man should be walking away with all the headlines.
Ngumoha became the first Liverpool player to score before his 17th birthday, establishing himself in Anfield folklore.
After enjoying a brilliant pre-season, which saw him register four goal contributions in four appearances, he has forced his way into Arne Slot’s first-team plans.
Liverpool allowed Luis Diaz to join Bayern Munich, and it was unclear who Liverpoolthe Reds would sign to fill that void in the squad.
However, after his pre-season performances and his history-breaking moment at St. James Park, Ngumoha could be the Diaz replacement Liverpool had all along.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.