Liverpool clinched a heart-stopping 3-2 win over Newcastle United in a wild Premier League clash on August 25, 2025, at St James’ Park.
The match, fueled by off-field transfer tensions, saw Newcastle fight back from 2-0 down despite playing with 10 men after Anthony Gordon’s red card.
Substitute Rio Ngumoha, just 16 years old, curled in a stunning 100th-minute winner, becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
Fans across Europe and the UK hailed the drama as of 02:49 PM IST today, Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
The game exploded into life amid chants of “El Isak” from furious Newcastle supporters, protesting Liverpool’s £110m-£120m bid for star striker Alexander Isak, who sat out amid transfer saga.
Newcastle dominated early, but Liverpool struck first in the 35th minute. Ryan Gravenberch unleashed a low, deflected shot from the edge of the box, beating Nick Pope to make it 1-0.
The second half kicked off with chaos—Liverpool doubled their lead in the 46th minute when Hugo Ekitike pounced on a rebound from Cody Gakpo’s blocked effort, sending the away fans wild.
Newcastle refused to fold. Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back in the 57th minute with a powerful header from Tino Livramento’s cross, igniting St James’ Park.
The turning point came in first-half stoppage time when Gordon, playing as an emergency striker due to Isak’s absence, lunged recklessly at Virgil van Dijk and earned a straight red card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Newcastle leveled in the 88th minute.
Pope launched a long ball, Dan Burn outmuscled Ibrahima Konate, and substitute Will Osula stretched to poke home, making it 2-2 and sending the crowd into frenzy.
Liverpool’s persistence paid off in the 100th minute. Mohamed Salah rolled a pass to Dominik Szoboszlai, who dummied for Ngumoha.
The teenager opened his body and curled a beauty into the top corner past Pope, sealing a historic debut goal.
BBC Sport’s live coverage captured the electric atmosphere, with Liverpool holding 58% possession but facing 19 fouls before halftime—the ball in play for just 40.8%, the lowest in a Premier League match since 2010.
Key Players and Performances
Ngumoha’s winner stole the headlines, breaking Liverpool’s record previously held by Ben Woodburn (17 years and 45 days in 2016).
At 16 years and 361 days, the young winger showed ice-cold nerves.
Salah, directly involved in 18 goals against Newcastle (10 scored, 8 assisted), set up the decider and remains a nightmare for the Magpies.
Gravenberch’s opener and Ekitike’s goal marked strong starts for both.
For Newcastle, Guimaraes shone with his header and leadership, while Osula’s equalizer highlighted his impact off the bench.
Gordon’s red card, a three-match ban, hurt badly—he missed chances as a makeshift forward.
Injuries piled up: Fabian Schar (concussion), Sandro Tonali (shoulder), and Joelinton (limping off) left Eddie Howe fuming.
Newcastle’s high press created chances, but without Isak, their attack lacked punch—47 shots without a goal in four prior games sans him.
Manager Reactions and Transfer Backdrop
Arne Slot called the game chaotic, telling Sky Sports, “I’m not too sure if I saw a football match today. It was set-piece after set-piece, long throw.”
He praised his team’s resilience: “Relief, because if you are 2-0 up against 10 men… they brought it back to 2-2 and maybe it was even deserved.
Their fans were so loud—wow! It was an amazing atmosphere.” Slot’s side extended their scoring streak to 36 games, matching a club record.
Howe lauded his team’s spirit but lamented the injuries and Gordon’s sending off.
The match simmered with transfer rivalry—Liverpool hijacked Newcastle’s move for Ekitike (£70m from Eintracht Frankfurt), and their Isak pursuit (£150m valuation) fueled the fire.
Newcastle’s board, including Saudi owners, watched tensely. The Guardian dubbed it “El Isak,” noting the feral intensity from the crowd.
What’s Next and Broader Impact
Liverpool top the table with six points from two games, extending their unbeaten run against Newcastle to 18 matches (W13 D5).
Slot’s men face Arsenal on August 31, aiming to build momentum. Newcastle, with one point, sit mid-table but showed grit—Howe now juggles injuries and Isak’s saga. They host Tottenham on September 1.
This thriller underscores the growing Newcastle-Liverpool rivalry, blending on-pitch chaos with transfer drama.
Liverpool’s depth, via youngsters like Ngumoha, proved key, while Newcastle’s passion nearly overturned the odds. The Premier League 2025 season promises more fireworks.
Stay tuned for more updates!