Arne Slot appeared to take a subtle swipe at Newcastle United and Eddie Howe following Liverpool’s dramatic win.
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, had to dig deep on Monday night to edge past a determined Newcastle side at St. James’ Park.
Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, Ryan Gravenberch silenced the home crowd with a stunning goal in the 35th minute.
Things worsened for Newcastle shortly after, as Anthony Gordon was sent off for a reckless challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Hugo Ekitike added a second for the Reds in the second half, but Newcastle rallied impressively with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula to level the score.
However, Liverpool snatched victory in dramatic fashion thanks to a stoppage-time winner from young talent Rio Ngumoha.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Liverpool boss Arne Slot appeared to question Newcastle’s playing style.
“I’m not sure we actually watched a football game today,” Slot said. “It was just set-piece after set-piece, long throws. There wasn’t much tactical play involved, but I was proud of how we held firm. The first 30 to 45 minutes were very tough, but we didn’t fall apart.”
He added, “Going a man up usually helps, but when their goalkeeper takes every free kick, being a player ahead doesn’t make much difference. That’s why it was so hard to maintain our 2-0 lead.”
“There wasn’t much open play—just long balls, throws, and set-pieces. In those situations, having an extra man doesn’t really matter.”
In reality, Newcastle had been dominant when it was 11 vs 11, pressing Liverpool hard and keeping them pinned in their own half. But Gravenberch’s goal shifted the momentum, and Gordon’s red card further tilted the game.
Despite a spirited fightback, it was Liverpool who walked away with all three points, thanks to Ngumoha’s late heroics.
Next, Liverpool face Arsenal in a high-stakes clash at Anfield, while Newcastle will travel to face Leeds United at Elland Road.
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