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.”
Watch all your favorite Amazon Prime Video Sports broadcasts live and free. Get access to NFL, NBA, NASCAR, WNBA, and more – all included with your Prime membership!