Home SPORTS 5 Shots, 3 Goals: Liverpool's Clinical Win Over Newcastle

5 Shots, 3 Goals: Liverpool's Clinical Win Over Newcastle

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Newcastle Vs Liverpool
Liverpool edges Newcastle 3-2

Stats reveal Liverpool's efficient finishing was key to their 3-2 win over Newcastle, with only 5 shots on goal needed to secure the victory.


Ryan Gravenberch's goal was a significant milestone, marking his first score in 41 top-flight games...


Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle United was a thrilling encounter that lived up to its billing. The match saw Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha score a stunning winner in the 100th minute, securing a victory for the Reds. This win marked a significant turnaround, given that Newcastle had reduced the deficit to 2-3 after being down by two goals and playing with 10 men following Anthony Gordon's red card in the 48th minute.


The Reds' win was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite being a man up, Liverpool struggled to seal the win, with Newcastle pushing hard for an equalizer. However, Ngumoha's late strike sealed the deal, showcasing his talent and composure. This victory marked Liverpool's second win in as many games, continuing their strong start to the season.


Slow Start at St. James' Park

Newcastle United's match against Liverpool at St. James' Park got off to a sluggish start, with more focus on yellow cards than shots on goal. In the opening 10 minutes, Ryan Gravenberch picked up a yellow card, while the visitors conceded seven fouls in the first 20 minutes. This cautious beginning didn't yield many scoring opportunities, setting the tone for a tense encounter.


Nick Pope, Newcastle's goalkeeper, was under pressure to deliver a strong performance from his defense. His last clean sheet against Liverpool was back in January 2021, during his time with Burnley, in one of his 12 matches against the Reds. The defense had to step up to help Pope improve his stats and secure a win.


Liverpool's approach in the first half saw them playing long balls 35% of the time by the 30-minute mark, a significant departure from their usual style. This was a notable increase, as they hadn't exceeded 30% since the 2003/04 season, and it likely didn't sit well with manager Arne Slot.


The lack of shots on target was also a concern, with only one effort from Florian Wirtz finding its way on target. However, this quiet start wouldn't be indicative of the rest of the match, as things would soon heat up between the two teams.


Gravenberch Silences the Toon Army

Ryan Gravenberch's impressive strike silenced the Newcastle fans at St. James' Park. As the half progressed, Anthony Gordon's flurry of shots had the Geordie supporters on the edge of their seats, but Gravenberch's clinical finish marked his 50th Premier League appearance in style. Eleven minutes before halftime, Gravenberch collected the ball and unleashed a low, driven shot that found the back of the net, giving Liverpool the lead and momentarily quieting the home crowd.


Ryan Gravenberch's goal was a significant milestone, marking his first score in 41 top-flight games, with his last goal coming against Fulham in April 2024. This strike also highlighted Newcastle's struggles when conceding first, as they've won only once in their previous 32 matches when falling behind against Liverpool. That solitary win occurred in February 2007, with a 2-1 victory at Anfield.


As the first half progressed, Liverpool gained control of the game, dominating possession with 73.7% of the ball in the final 15 minutes. Despite this, they struggled to create scoring opportunities, managing only four touches in the Newcastle box throughout the entire half. Gravenberch's 35th-minute strike was a testament to Liverpool's ability to capitalize on their chances, even if it didn't entirely reflect their dominance in possession.


Newcastle's troubles deepened in injury time as Anthony Gordon's reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk resulted in a straight red card following a VAR review. The Magpies were down to 10 men as the second half kicked off, and Liverpool quickly capitalized on the advantage. Just 20 seconds into the half, Hugo Ekitike scored his third goal in as many appearances, doubling Liverpool's lead and putting the visitors firmly in control of the match.



Ekitike's Lightning Goal

Hugo Ekitike's goal just 20 seconds into the second half marked a significant milestone, making him the fourth Liverpool player to score in his opening two league appearances for the club. This impressive feat was last achieved by Daniel Sturridge in 2013, followed by Nigel Clough in 1993 and Milan Baros in 2002. Ekitike's swift strike not only showcased his talent but also echoed Philippe Coutinho's goal against Swansea in February 2013, which was scored with similar swiftness after halftime.




The goal seemed to energize Newcastle, who began to push forward and create scoring opportunities. Bruno Guimarães played a crucial role in Newcastle's resurgence, scoring a vital goal in the 57th minute that gave his team hope for a comeback. Despite Liverpool's dominance in ball possession, holding 85.8% of the ball up to the hour mark, Newcastle's determination and resilience kept them in the game.


In the second half, Newcastle United had a peculiar dynamic, touching the ball only nine times in the first 23 minutes after the break, yet managing to match Liverpool's shot count with two attempts each. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to deliver a decisive blow, with Hugo Ekitike's goal being their last shot before Newcastle's William Osula equalized in the 88th minute. This highlights the Reds' inefficiency in converting their possession advantage into scoring opportunities, allowing Newcastle to stay in the game.




Liverpool's recent performance has raised concerns for manager Arne Slot, as they became the second team in consecutive weeks to squander a two-goal advantage. This worrying trend highlights some defensive vulnerabilities under Slot's new approach.


The Reds' inability to hold onto their lead was further compounded by Newcastle United's resilience, even when reduced to 10 men. Ryan Gravenberch's early goal and Hugo Ekitike's swift strike in the second half put Liverpool 2-0 up, but the Magpies fought back to level the score. This marked the first time Liverpool had conceded four goals in their opening two games since the 2016/17 season. Additionally, it was the first time since December 2001 that they've conceded two goals to a team playing with 10 men, as seen in a match against Arsenal.




Rio Ngumoha's dramatic winner in the 100th minute sent shockwaves through St. James' Park, capping off a thrilling 3-2 victory for Liverpool over Newcastle United. Having come on just five minutes earlier, the 16-year-old's curling shot sealed the win for the Reds, echoing the heroics of Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah in their matchday one win against Bournemouth.


The stoppage time winner was a nail-biting finish to a match that had seen Newcastle fight back from 2-0 down with 10 men after Anthony Gordon's red card. Despite Liverpool's dominance in possession, Newcastle's resilience and determination had almost earned them a point, with Bruno Guimarães and William Osula scoring crucial goals for the Magpies. However, Ngumoha's debut winner stole the show, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure.


Rio Ngumoha made history by becoming Liverpool's youngest-ever scorer at just 16 years and 361 days old, while also ranking as the fourth-youngest scorer in the Premier League. He follows notable players like James Vaughan, who scored at 16 years and 270 days, James Milner at 16 years and 356 days, and Wayne Rooney at 16 years and 360 days.




Newcastle United's loss to Liverpool extends their winless streak in the English top flight to four consecutive games, a disappointing run that will undoubtedly concern manager Eddie Howe. The team's struggles are further complicated by the potential departure of Alexander Isak, for whom they have yet to secure a suitable replacement.


Magpies Left Empty-Handed

Despite some encouraging moments, particularly their spirited fightback while down to 10 men, Newcastle United ultimately left St. James' Park empty-handed. Coming close to securing a point was a positive note, but the Magpies' efforts weren't enough to secure a win or even a draw, extending their winless streak in the Premier League.




Arne Slot likely breathed a sigh of relief over the three points secured against Newcastle United, but a closer look at the stats raises some concerns. Liverpool's shot count was alarmingly low, with only five shots on goal throughout the entire match, three of which found the back of the net. Given their ambitions to retain the Premier League crown, this lack of attacking potency is something the team will need to work on.


The Reds' defensive vulnerability has also been exposed in their opening two games this season. Opposition teams will have taken note of Liverpool's brittle defense, which has allowed them to concede crucial goals. With table-topping Arsenal up next, Slot's team will need to shore up their defensive frailties quickly if they want to keep pace with the league leaders. Addressing these defensive issues will be crucial as they prepare to face off against Arsenal at home.



Match Statistics:

Goals:

  • Liverpool: Ryan Gravenberch (35'), Hugo Ekitike (46'), Rio Ngumoha (90+10')
  • Newcastle: Bruno Guimarães (57'), William Osula (88')

  • Red Card: Anthony Gordon (48')
  • Possession: Liverpool (63%), Newcastle (37%)
  • Shots: Liverpool (5), Newcastle (9)
  • Shots on Target: Liverpool (4), Newcastle (3)

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