Arne Slot criticizes Newcastle vs. Liverpool: “I don’t know if that was a football game”

Coach highlighted Reds’ difficulties despite playing with an extra man and winning 3-2 at St. James Park.

Liverpool struggles despite advantage

Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 this Monday (25) in the Premier League, but coach Arne Slot was far from satisfied with his team’s performance. Speaking after the game, the Dutchman criticized the style of play and admitted that the Reds could not impose themselves despite having an extra player on the pitch for much of the match.

With 62% possession but fewer shots than their rivals, Liverpool saw Newcastle rely heavily on set pieces and long balls to stay in the game. Slot was direct in his assessment:

“I don’t know if this was a football game today. It was set piece after set piece, long ball after long ball. We kept the ball for long periods, but I expected us to create more. Our attackers weren’t patient enough.”

Youngster Rio Ngumoha shines

The highlight of the night came from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who scored the winning goal in stoppage time. At 16 years and 361 days, he became the youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history, sealing a dramatic comeback.

Slot praised the teenager’s confidence under pressure:

“It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio is a very good finisher for his age, very confident, even in a tense moment like this.”

Next Premier League clash

The result keeps Liverpool third in the table, level on points with Arsenal and Tottenham, who lead on goal difference. The Reds now face Arsenal at Anfield next Sunday (31) in a match that could define the early leader of the Premier League.