Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle as Rio Ngumoha scores dramatic winner

Liverpool came through an early blitz and an intense atmosphere to win 3-2 in an amazing game at Newcastle. The Reds were under the cosh in the opening half hour amid a cauldron of noise at St James' Park, with home fans venting their frustration at want away striker Alexander Isak.

However, against the run of play, Ryan Gravenberch fired a low shot home from 20 yards out and on the brink of half-time, Anthony Gordon was sent off for a rash late challenge on Virgil van Dijk, which left two big scars running all the way down the defender's calf. Hugo Ekitike slotted home from Cody Gakpo's pass just 20 seconds after the restart to seemingly make the game safe.

However, the 10-men fought back as Bruno Guimaraes headed in after 57 minutes. Then with time running out, substitute William Osula got on the end of a long free-kick forward and slotted under Alisson. However, Rio Ngumoha was sent on in the 96th minute and moments later, whipped a shot home with his right foot to seal three points.

Express Sport rates the Liverpool players...

Liverpool player ratings (4-2-3-1):

Alisson 7: Sharply off his line early on to cut out Joelinton's through ball and also reacted quickly to deny Gordon when Liverpool were under siege early on. Did have to recover from one dodgy punch clear in the second half and would have been disappointed with his defenders for the equaliser.

Dominik Szoboszlai 7: In an unfamiliar right-back role and one rash challenge gifted Newcastle a free-kick on the edge of the area early on. However, then made a crucial block from Gordon and looked more assured as the game wore on.

Ibrahima Konate 5: Was fortunate the hosts went down to 10 men. Prior to that, was booked for a poor tackle and again got dragged out of position. Also got away with a poor pass out of defence that went straight to Sandro Tonali.

Virgil van Dijk 7: Kept his composure with his side under pressure early on and made some crucial headed clearances as Newcastle pushed for an unlikely late winner. But needs a centre-back partner with more assurance than Konate right now.

Milos Kerkez 5: Would have been grateful the early wave of Newcastle attacks petered out in the first half. Struggled to deal with Anthony Elanga in the early stages and then tamely beaten in the air by Guimaraes for the goal.

Curtis Jones 6: Failed to connect with one Salah cross when the goal was gaping. Another who struggled in the early stages but his work rate never dropped.

Ryan Gravenberch 8: Continues to be the rock that protects the Liverpool back four. Wasn't fazed by a very early booking and his classy finish completely turned the tide, before it later turned back anyway.

Mo Salah 5: His cross into Jones deserved more but not his best night. Wasted a series of attacking opportunities and not his usual goal threat.

Florian Wirtz 5: Fell well short of the quality he showed against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. A passenger second half before being taken off.

Cody Gakpo 6: An off-night for him. Pulled wide on the left frequently but his end product lacked accuracy, summarised by one overhit cross late on that sailed over everyone. However, did play a key role in Ekitike's goal.

Hugo Ekitike 7: The fairytale start continues. A passenger for the first 45 minutes, never looked like missing when his chance came after the interval and his movement was good thereafter.

Subs:

Conor Bradley (for Wirtz, 80) 6: Booked shortly after coming on but did try and look for the ball.

Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike, 80) 6: Some nice touches but little real impact.

Harvey Elliott (for Jones, 96) N/A

Rio Ngumoha (for Gakpo, 96) 9: Made one contribution. And what a contribution it was.

Wataru Endo (for Salah, 102) N/A