Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool: Arne Slot Criticizes Hosts' Strategy, Labels Match 'Not a Football Match'
In a thrilling yet contentious Premier League clash, Liverpool overturned a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Newcastle at St James' Park. The game, marred by a relentless focus on set-pieces and minimal open play, left manager Arne Slot baffled, calling it "not a football match" after 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's injury-time winner.
Newcastle, reduced to 10 men following Anthony Gordon's red card in the first-half injury time, staged a remarkable comeback. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Magpies nearly earned a draw, only for Ngumoha's late strike to decide the contest. Slot acknowledged Liverpool's resilience but expressed frustration over the tactical stalemate, stating: "I'm not too sure if I saw a football match today. It was set-piece after set-piece, long throw. It didn't have a lot to do with tactics... but I liked how we stood strong."
The match's low tempo was evident from the outset, with just 40.8% of play recorded—matching the lowest figure in Premier League history since February 2010. Slot highlighted the challenges posed by Newcastle's reliance on set-pieces, noting: "When a goalkeeper takes every free kick, there's not much help if you're one player up. It's always nice to have an extra player on hand, but it's not as beneficial as pressing when the ball is in play."
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher lambasted Liverpool's defensive display, particularly Ibrahima Konate's inconsistency. "He's been all over the place," Carragher said, adding that Konate's failure to win a critical challenge allowed Newcastle to equalize. The former defender also praised Virgil van Dijk's impact, stating, "I absolutely shudder to think where Liverpool would be without him."
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe praised his team's effort, calling it a "bruising game with different emotions." He noted the players' adaptability after Gordon's dismissal, though the defeat left his squad with injuries and suspensions. Bruno Guimaraes, reflecting on the loss, admitted: "To come away with nothing and injuries, concussions... it's a pretty bad day."
Despite the tactical frustrations, Slot admitted the result was "great" for fans, who enjoyed the "chaotic" nature of the contest. The match underscored the Premier League's unpredictable rhythm, with both teams grappling with a format that prioritized set-pieces over flowing play.
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