Liverpool’s 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha made history as the youngest scorer in the club’s history when he struck with virtually the last kick of a breathless encounter to snatch victory against Newcastle United at a stunned St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s men had mounted a frantic early surge on Liverpool’s goal but were hit by a sucker punch 10 minutes before the break when Ryan Gravenberch’s low shot beat Nick Pope, helped by a slight deflection off Fabian Schar.
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Liverpool stunned the hosts again by doubling their advantage within 30 seconds of the restart when Hugo Ekitike, the striker who snubbed the Magpies to move to Anfield instead, scored with a low, placed right-foot finish.
But, despite being a man down, Newcastle rallied and captain Bruno Guimaraes gave them hope with a diving header at the far post after 57 minutes.
With Liverpool losing their composure under pressure, substitute William Osula got in ahead of Gravenberch to bundle in the equaliser past Alisson after 88 minutes.
Liverpool looked to have thrown away a victory that looked certain in the early moments of the second half – until substitute Ngumoha, at 16 years and 361 days, provided a sensational climax when left unmarked to fire home in the 10th of 11 added minutes.