Thierry Henry singles out ‘outstanding’ Liverpool star as the Reds beat Newcastle 3-2 in dramatic fashion

Last Updated on 2 September 2025

Liverpool snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory at St. James’ Park on Monday night, with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha scoring a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United.

The Magpies were the better team across the 90 minutes and were knocking on Liverpool’s door since the start of the match.

However, a brilliant Ryan Gravenberch goal from outside the box gave Arne Slot’s side the lead against the run of play.

Moments before half-time, the match turned when Anthony Gordon was sent off for a reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk, leaving Newcastle with 10 men.

The second half saw Liverpool double their lead almost immediately, with Hugo Ekitike, a player Newcastle wanted to sign in the summer, producing a fine finish from the edge of the box.

But the Magpies refused to give up. Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back in the 57th minute before substitute William Osula grabbed a late equaliser in the 88th minute, sending St. James’ Park into chaos.

Just as it seemed Newcastle had earned a deserved point, Ngumoha came off the bench in stoppage time and scored in the 100th minute to seal a dramatic win for the Reds.

Thierry Henry praises Hugo Ekitike after excellent start at Liverpool

While Virgil van Dijk was the man of the match for the Reds, putting on a world-class performance yet again, and Ngumoha scored the match winner, Arsenal legend and pundit Thierry Henry singled out Ekitike for his performance.

Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League Podcast, Henry gave his thoughts on the young Frenchman he knows really well having worked together with France U21s. He said: “Ekitike, make no mistake, the way he did finish that is outstanding.

“Look, at Rennes, he was outstanding. I mentioned it already when he went to Paris Saint-Germain, maybe, not maybe, you know, when you have to play in front of Neymar, Messi and Mbappe, you’re obviously going to be on the bench, unfortunately for him.

“But that’s a hell of a finish, and that’s three games, three goals.”

Jamie Carragher chimed in asking Henry about Ekitike’s style of finishing: “I mean, you know better than us, Thierry, but two out of his three goals now, certainly the one in the Community Shield and that one, the finish is outstanding, but they’re like passes.

“It’s not like he’s just hit the ball, it’s like he’s picked that spot out.

“He did the same in the Community Shield, I mean, is this a feature of his game? Is this what we’ve got to get used to watching him?”

Henry responded: “Yes, and also what I like about it is, you know, sometimes when there was a ricochet just before you shoot, you know, the one also he scored at Anfield, he kept his composure.

“Although there was luck in the build-up, he kept his composure, aimed, and I finish. This is how he does finish, and hopefully for you, he can do more than that.”

Hugo Ekitike matches Daniel Sturridge feat against Newcastle

Ekitike’s strike against Newcastle means he has now scored in:

• His Premier League debut vs Crystal Palace (Community Shield)
• His first league start vs Bournemouth
• And now, against Newcastle at St. James’ Park

That makes him the first Liverpool player since Daniel Sturridge to score in his first three appearances for the club.

Sturridge, who scored 68 goals in 160 appearances for Liverpool, became a fan favourite during his spell at Anfield and Ekitike looks set to follow in his footsteps.