Liverpool secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Monday night with 16-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha scoring a dramatic winner in the 110th minute to become Liverpool’s youngest ever scorer.
The Reds played most of the second half at St James’ Park against 10 men but Slot was not pleased with Newcastle’s style of play.
Despite Anthony Gordon’s red card, Newcastle pinned the Premier League champions into their own half and grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 88th minutes.
However, Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage time winner ensured Liverpool secured all three points.
Arne Slot celebrates with Rio Ngumoha following the team’s victory against Newcastle United. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“I’m not too sure if I saw a football match today. It was set-piece after set-piece, long throw,” Slot told Sky Sports.
“It didn’t have a lot to do with tactics, what I said before the game, but I liked a lot how we stood strong. Very difficult first half hour, 45 minutes, but we didn’t collapse at all, we stood strong.
“Going down to 10 men, you would expect that that is a big plus for us, but when a goalkeeper takes every free kick, then there’s not so much help if you are one player up, and that’s why it was so difficult for us to bring the 2-0 over the line.”
Emotions were high at St James’ Park after Liverpool’s approach for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and the first half was littered with fouls. Newcastle then caused Liverpool problems with their direct approach.
“Maybe it wasn’t the best game in terms of tactics or in terms of playing football,” Slot added.
“But I think every fan everywhere around the world enjoyed watching this game of football, also because their fans were amazing in terms of the help they gave the home team.”
