Arne Slot Slams Newcastle’s Tactics After Dramatic Liverpool Victory

SME News UK. Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised Newcastle United’s direct approach after his side secured a dramatic 3-2 win at St James’ Park thanks to a stoppage-time strike from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.The reigning Premier League champions looked in control when Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring before Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk just before half-time. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Newcastle fought back bravely, with Bruno Guimarães pulling one back with a towering header and William Osula bundling in a late equaliser in the 88th minute.However, Ngumoha’s stunning 100th-minute winner snatched all three points for Liverpool, sealing back-to-back last-gasp victories for Slot’s side.While relieved by the result, Slot expressed frustration with Newcastle’s style of play, suggesting it turned the contest into something other than a football match.> “I’m not too sure if I saw a football match today,” Slot told Sky Sports. “It was set-piece after set-piece, long throw after long throw. Going down to 10 men, you would expect that to be a big advantage for us, but when the goalkeeper takes every free-kick and they go long, it’s not as beneficial. It was very difficult for us to bring the 2-0 over the line.”The Dutchman did, however, praise his team’s resilience and composure under pressure, singling out the decisive move that led to Ngumoha’s late strike.> “The one really good attack we had in the second half was the goal. We went from right to the middle to the left — a brilliant move and a great finish for a 16-year-old.”For Newcastle, it was a night of pride mixed with frustration. Despite their numerical disadvantage and the absence of unsettled striker Alexander Isak, Eddie Howe’s men rallied superbly and, for long spells, looked the better side.> “I’m really proud of the performance,” Howe said afterwards. “Great energy, great intensity. Even with 10 men I thought we were the better team in the second half as well as the first. To come away with nothing — and with injuries, suspensions and concussions — it’s a pretty bad day.”The result keeps Liverpool’s perfect start to the season intact, while Newcastle were left to reflect on a defiant but ultimately fruitless performance in a bruising contest under the lights at St James’ Park.