‘I’m not sure it was a football game’

Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot defended his side after his dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United, insisting that they did not collapse despite delivering an advantage of 2-0 to 10 men.

The Premier League champions seemed to be completely commanded in the 46th minute after Hugo Ekitike doubled his advantage after Ryan Gravenberch’s first game and Anthony Gordon’s red card for a precious failure about Virgil Van Dijk.

But Newcastle improbably produced a remarkable return, Bruno Guimaraes reduced the deficit with a header before the William Osula substitute seemed to have had the last word by leveling the issues.

Osula, the only recognized Newcastle central striker in the middle of Alexander Isak’s self -imposed exile while the star striker tries to force Liverpool movement, pushed home the draw two minutes from the end of normal time.

There was a final turn in an already fascinating story in the penultimate minute of 11 minutes of detention time when Rio Ngumoha, 16, snuggled home as an impressive winner for Liverpool four days before his 17th birthday.

However, despite the incredible drama that developed in a noisy St James park, Slot had a curious description of what he witnessed.

“I’m not sure it was a football game today,” Slot told Sky Sports. “It was a piece after another, long release after a long release.

“We did not collapse and we got strong. We did not play well enough in the ball. I don’t think there is so much open game.”

According to the wonderful winner of Ngumoha, Slot added: “It was a great goal for a 16 -year -old. River can end very well for his age.

“I heard someone say later in the locker room that would have made a first touch, but he has a lot of confidence. Because of his age, he is a very good ending.”