Liverpool emerged victorious from a fiery encounter against Newcastle United, winning 3-2 in a game marked by tension surrounding Alexander Isak’s potential transfer. Virgil van Dijk acknowledged Newcastle’s heightened motivation due to the Isak saga. The match saw a red card for Anthony Gordon, a Newcastle comeback, and a dramatic late winner from Liverpool’s 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. Van Dijk praised Ngumoha’s debut while emphasizing the need for continued hard work and humility.
Virgil van Dijk expressed relief after Liverpool secured a hard-fought victory against Newcastle United at St James' Park, acknowledging the heightened tension surrounding Alexander Isak's potential transfer. The match, ending 3-2 in Liverpool's favor, was filled with drama, controversy, and moments of brilliance, underscoring the intense rivalry between the two clubs.
The backdrop to the game was Liverpool's earlier £110m bid for Isak, which Newcastle rejected. However, the Swedish striker's desire to move to Anfield remained a significant talking point. Isak's absence from Newcastle's squad and his public statement accusing the club of reneging on promises regarding his future added fuel to the fire. This situation created a charged atmosphere, especially given Hugo Ekitike's presence in the Liverpool squad after previously turning down a move to Newcastle.
"We all know that there was a lot of oil on the fire, I would say, this week, in order to get Newcastle fired up," Van Dijk remarked to Sky Sports. The Newcastle supporters certainly lived up to expectations, creating a hostile and intimidating environment for the visiting Liverpool team.
Despite Liverpool initially taking a 2-0 lead, the match took a dramatic turn when Anthony Gordon was sent off following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Van Dijk. Referee Simon Hooper initially booked Gordon, but the Video Assistant Referee intervened, leading to a red card. Even with ten men, Newcastle mounted a spirited comeback, leveling the score at 2-2, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Van Dijk reflected on the red card incident, stating, "Well, I said to him, 'if this is not sending off, then I don’t understand football’. I think it was already strange that the referee had to go to the monitor. But listen, these things happen in football. If you meant it or not, it happened. We move on.”
The decisive moment arrived when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, a late substitute, scored the winning goal for Liverpool in stoppage time. His strike secured a 3-2 victory for the Premier League champions and marked a memorable debut for the young player. The goal sent the Liverpool fans into raptures and highlighted the potential within the club's youth ranks.
"What happened tonight was expected. I think for us the disappointing part is that we conceded two from set-pieces and that shouldn’t happen. But overall, it’s a great three points,” Van Dijk added, acknowledging the team's defensive lapses while emphasizing the importance of the win.
Ngumoha's late heroics made him the fourth-youngest scorer in Premier League history, joining an elite list of players including James Vaughan, James Milner, and Wayne Rooney. Van Dijk was full of praise for the youngster, saying, "It was a dream debut for him. I think that whole attack was quite good. It was a perfect attack. I’m very, very pleased for Rio."
Van Dijk also stressed the importance of staying grounded and continuing to work hard. "I’ve mentioned it before to him already, it’s all a start now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble. He has to enjoy this, because these nights you can’t take for granted, of course, if you’re in his position. And I’m sure with the players that we have, he will be back in training and having a hard session again tomorrow.”
The victory was crucial for Liverpool as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League. The match against Newcastle, filled with drama and controversy, will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the season's most intense encounters.