Liverpool boss Arne Slot questions Newcastle’s tactics after dramatic 3-2 win

Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he was “not sure he had watched a football match” as he reflected on his side’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, Sport360NG reports.

Teenage forward Rio Ngumoha, just 16 years old, struck in the 100th minute to seal the points for the Reds after Newcastle had clawed their way back from two goals down despite being reduced to 10 men.

According to Opta, the ball was in play for only 40.8% of the contest, the lowest figure recorded in a Premier League fixture since February 2010.

Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Slot was blunt in his assessment of the home side’s approach.

“I’m not too sure if I saw a football match,” he said. “It was set-piece after set-piece, long throws. It didn’t have much to do with tactics. But I was pleased with the way we stayed strong.”

The game took place amid the backdrop of uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future, with the striker keen on a move to Liverpool, a subplot that added to the intensity of the night.

That tension spilled onto the pitch as Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was dismissed shortly before half-time for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk. The match eventually produced 32 fouls, the most in a Premier League game this season.

Reflecting on the contest, Slot added:

“The first half hour, 45 minutes were very difficult. But we didn’t crumble and went ahead. You’d expect the red card to give us a big advantage, but when the goalkeeper takes every free-kick, there’s little benefit to being a man up. That’s why it was so hard to see out the 2-0 lead.”

Gordon issues apology

After the match, Gordon apologised for his red card in a social media post, insisting his challenge on Van Dijk was not intentional.

“I was just trying to create energy in the game and mistimed the tackle,” the England international wrote. “I want to apologise to Virgil. I’d never mean to make that kind of tackle on purpose. We spoke afterwards and he knows that.

“More importantly, I’m proud of how we played. The atmosphere at St James’ Park was incredible, and I love everything this club stands for. I’ll come back stronger, just like I always do.”