Liverpool manager Arne Slot said “he is not too sure he saw a football match” in reference to Newcastle United’s gameplan during his side’s 3-2 win at St James’ Park.
The Reds’ 16-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute winner in a breathless match during which Newcastle fought back from 2-0 down with 10 men.
Opta’s statistics indicate the ball was in play for 40.8% of the match – the lowest percentage in a Premier League match since February 2010.
“I’m not too sure if I saw a football match,” Slot told Sky Sports after the game.
“It was set-piece after set-piece, long throws. It didn’t have a lot to do with tactics. But I liked a lot how we stood strong.”
The match was played out against the backdrop of Alexander Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle for Liverpool, which contributed to a feisty atmosphere inside the stadium.
That translated onto the pitch, with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon shown a red card for a rash challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shortly before half-time.
There were 32 fouls in total – the most in a Premier League game so far this season.
“It was a very difficult first half hour, 45 minutes. We didn’t collapse at all and went 1-0 up,” said Slot.
“Newcastle going down to 10 men, you would expect is a big plus for us but when a goalkeeper takes every free-kick, there is not much hope [benefit] if you are one player up. That’s why it was so difficult to bring the 2-0 over the line.”
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Gordon apologises for red card
England forward Gordon has apologised for his dismissal, saying his “intentions were pure”.
In a post on social media, the 24-year-old said: “I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle.
“I also want to apologise to Virgil. I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.
“More importantly, I’m proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played. The atmosphere from you all is what makes St James’ Park so special.
“I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now. I’ll be back and better, the same as every other setback I’ve faced.”
