Liverpool beat Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday night.
Arne Slot seemed to take a swipe at Newcastle United and Eddie Howe after Liverpool’s thrilling victory. Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool had to dig deep on Monday night when they faced an excited Newcastle side at St. James’ Park.
They showed why they became champions when Ryan Gravenberch shocked the home crowd with a brilliant finish in the 35th minute, despite being under pressure. Anthony Gordon was then shown a red card for a horrendous tackle on Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.
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In the second half, Hugo Ekitike scored the 2-0 goal before Newcastle responded with a monumental comeback thanks to goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula.
But Liverpool got the final stab when youngster Rio Ngumoha scored the winning goal in the very last minute to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Liverpool boss Slot seemed to criticise the hosts’ style of play when analysing the game.
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The Dutchman said: “I’m not sure if I watched a football match today. It was set ball after set ball, and long throw-in.”
“It didn’t have much to do with tactics, what I said before the game, but I really liked how we resisted. Very difficult first 30 minutes, 45 minutes, but we didn’t collapse at all, we resisted.”
Slot continued: “When they get a red card, you’d think that’s a big plus for us, but when a goalkeeper takes every free-kick, it doesn’t help much to have an extra player, and that’s why it was so difficult for us to hold on to the 2-0 lead.”
“I don’t think there were that many open games to play. In a set piece, a long throw-in, a long ball from the goalkeeper, you don’t need an extra man.” You can see the clip below.
“You said soccer game – I’m not sure if I watched a soccer game today!”
Arne Slot on a tough Premier League game that went right to the end against Newcastle 👀
In fact, when Newcastle had 11 players on the pitch, they dominated Liverpool who had a hard time getting out of their own half of the pitch.
But Gravenberch’s goal stopped Newcastle’s momentum, and Gordon’s sending off added salt to the Magpies’ wounds.
In the end, Howe’s men delivered a valiant effort, but Liverpool were the ones who got the fairytale ending through Ngumoha’s stunning moments.
This weekend, Liverpool will face Arsenal in another tempting game at Anfield. Newcastle will also face newly promoted Leeds United at Elland Road.
