‘Honestly’ – Alan Shearer cannot get head around what Liverpool player did at St James’ Park
Liverpool’s dramatic victory away at Newcastle United will go down in the history books for several reasons, as the Reds secured an unlikely three points.
Arne Slot admitted that his side were outplayed despite having a man advantage for most of the game, but it took a last-minute winner from debutant Rio Ngumoha to secure the points.
Ngumoha became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s entire history with his stunning strike, and the winger is regarded as a huge talent at Anfield.
Newcastle legend and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer has now given his verdict on his side’s dramatic 3-2 defeat, and had nothing but praise for Ngumoha.
Alan Shearer praises Rio Ngumoha’s finish against Newcastle
Ngumoha’s first Premier League goal was an outstanding one as he smashed a first-time finish beyond Nick Pope after a brilliant dummy from Dominik Szoboszlai found him in space.
Shearer was clearly impressed, both by the quality of the finish as well as the composure to take the shot first time.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer explained why he was simply amazed by Ngumoha’s goal, even though it came against his team.
| Newcastle | Team | Liverpool |
| 0.93 | Expected goals | 0.7 |
| 10 | Shots | 5 |
| 258 | Passes | 446 |
“What a finish, I mean, Oh my God! The finish! I mean the build-up to it was great, then the little over, but then the finish,” Shearer exclaimed.
“Honestly, it was the finish of a 28-year-old in his peak, in his prime, who had been around for years, you’re thinking that.
“He just took it with such aplomb, and such ease, it was a great finish, unfortunately, it was a very cruel way for the game to end for a Newcastle player and fan.”
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Rio Ngumoha to gain first-team opportunities this season
Liverpool see Ngumoha as a potentially world-class talent, and this is why Slot was willing to throw him on in difficult circumstances away at Newcastle.
Luis Diaz has not been directly replaced by Liverpool since his departure, but Ngumoha could step up to be the long-term starting left winger as he develops.
Ngumoha’s impact saw him win a difficult game for Liverpool after an underwhelming performance overall, and this could have major implications in the Premier League title race.
Despite his age, the winger has shown that he has both the quality and the mentality to be playing at the highest level already, and he will hope for more chances to impress off the bench.
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