Liverpool manager Arne Slot questions Newcastle tactics after fiery Liverpool win

 

Liverpool manager Arne Slot questioned whether his team’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park could be described as a proper football match. Speaking after the dramatic win, Slot said he felt the game was dominated by set-pieces, long throws, and stoppages, rather than flowing football. Opta statistics later confirmed the ball was only in play for just over forty percent of the match – the lowest figure recorded in the Premier League since 2010.

The match itself was filled with drama and controversy. Liverpool went 2-0 up but Newcastle, reduced to ten men following Anthony Gordon’s dismissal for a rash challenge on Virgil van Dijk, fought back to level. In the closing stages, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha stepped off the bench to score a 100th-minute winner, sealing a famous night for the teenager and a hard-earned victory for the Reds.

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Alexander Isak’s links with a move to Liverpool added tension to the atmosphere, with home fans showing visible frustration. Newcastle’s physical approach led to 32 fouls, the most seen in a Premier League game this season. Despite the chaos, Slot praised his side for standing strong under pressure and finding a way to win.

Anthony Gordon’s dismissal was a major talking point. The forward, who was sent off shortly before half-time, has since apologised publicly. In a message shared on social media, Gordon admitted his tackle on Van Dijk was mistimed, but insisted his intentions were to energise his team rather than cause harm. He revealed he had spoken to Van Dijk afterwards and stressed that the Liverpool captain understood it was not deliberate. Gordon also thanked Newcastle fans for their support, describing St James’ Park as a special place and vowing to come back stronger from the setback.

The stop-start nature of the match frustrated Slot, who pointed out that Newcastle’s goalkeeper taking nearly every free-kick limited the advantage Liverpool should have gained from playing against ten men. Despite that, Slot praised his squad for their resilience and mentality, particularly given the challenges of breaking down an opponent determined to disrupt rhythm.

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The result strengthens Liverpool’s early momentum under Slot’s management and adds to the buzz around their new teenage talent Ngumoha, who made an unforgettable impact. For Newcastle, the night brought further scrutiny of their discipline and game management, leaving manager Eddie Howe with much to reflect upon after a bruising encounter.