Analysis: Ngumoha rescues rocky Reds

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was understandably ecstatic when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha brought some composure to a wild evening on Tyneside with the calm late finish that gave the Premier League champions a dramatic victory over Newcastle.

It capped a fiery, frenetic encounter that barely let up for a minute, but in which Liverpool cast aside a position of relative comfort to be rocked by 10-man Newcastle, who were backed by a vociferous Toon Army.

Liverpool will take their second successive victory in defence of their crown, but it was also the second time they have given away a two-goal lead, having done the same against Bournemouth in their opening game at Anfield.

As against the Cherries, Liverpool pulled themselves out of trouble late on, but the manner in which they lost their composure so badly, especially with a numerical advantage, will be a serious concern for Slot.

Liverpool were not unsettled by quality football from Newcastle, but by the sheer intensity and force of will from Eddie Howe's side.

From looking so calm and measured when winning the title last term, this season they have looked constantly vulnerable in defence, even with the presence of Virgil van Dijk.

The big plus, apart from Ngumoha's effort, was Hugo Ekitike scoring for a second successive league game. His clinical, low finish showed exactly why Newcastle wanted him so badly before he moved to Liverpool.

Slot will take the victory, but he will have real worries about his side's defensive frailties.