England-born Nigerian teenager, Rio Ngumoha, announced himself in style on Monday night as his stoppage-time strike handed Liverpool a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The 16-year-old, making his senior debut after coming on in the 90th minute, produced the decisive moment deep into added time to seal back-to-back wins for the reigning champions.
Liverpool had looked in control after Ryan Gravenberch broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with a precise low effort that crept in off the post.
Their advantage grew when Hugo Ekitike doubled the tally, but Newcastle clawed their way back.
Anthony Gordon’s reckless lunge on Virgil van Dijk saw his initial yellow card upgraded to a red following VAR intervention, leaving the Magpies with 10 men.
Despite the setback, Bruno Guimarães halved the deficit in the 57th minute before substitute William Osula grabbed a dramatic equaliser with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
Just when it seemed Newcastle had salvaged a point, Ngumoha stole the headlines. With virtually the final kick of the game in the 100th minute, the teenager coolly slotted home to spark wild celebrations among the travelling Reds supporters.
The result lifts Liverpool to third in the standings, while Newcastle sit 15th with just one point from their opening fixtures.
