Newcastle United's Heartbreaking Loss to Liverpool
Stoppage time heartbreak against Liverpool? Newcastle United have experienced this before, many times.
Stan Collymore's decisive goal in 1996 still haunts a generation of Geordies, and just a few years ago, Darwin Nunez stole all three points at St James' Park with a last-minute strike.
However, nothing could compare to Rio Ngumoha's 100th-minute goal on Monday night.
After battling back from a 2-0 deficit with only ten men and losing Fabian Schar, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton to injuries, Newcastle left the field empty-handed.
Yet, the crowd's response at full-time spoke volumes as Newcastle fans stood to applaud Eddie Howe's weary squad.
"Those guys make me proud," said the head coach regarding his players after the 3-2 defeat. "Their spirit and togetherness has never been in question. They are deeply connected to Newcastle. They want to be here, they want to play. Their bond with the club is profound."
Fans' Passion Matched on the Field
These words felt particularly relevant.
A few months ago, Alexander Isak etched his name into club history by scoring against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, ending the club's 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
This time, however, it was Liverpool fans who chanted about Isak, repeatedly urging Newcastle to "hand him over." Isak was again absent, continuing to train separately from his teammates, adding another layer of intrigue to the match.
It certainly did not feel like an early-season fixture.
Liverpool players were met with boos as they arrived, and by the time they took to the pitch, Newcastle fans were already jeering them. The announcement of the champions' line-up just minutes before kick-off was met with a deafening chorus of boos.
The intensity of the home support was mirrored by Newcastle's aggressive play, with Liverpool conceding seven fouls in the first 20 minutes as they sought to contain their hosts.
Liverpool took the lead through Ryan Gravenberch's goal before Newcastle's Anthony Gordon received a red card for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
When former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool's lead, it seemed the hosts faced an uphill battle.
However, the stadium erupted when captain Bruno Guimaraes scored with a header, and it felt as if the roof might come off when William Osula netted a late equalizer.
Just as it appeared Newcastle might secure a hard-fought point, Liverpool snatched all three points in stoppage time.
Isak Resolution Finally Imminent
Liverpool was undoubtedly clinical.
Yet, Newcastle will lament their inability to capitalize on their opportunities while at full strength at 0-0.
Set pieces were squandered, and the hosts desperately needed a poacher to convert the enticing crosses that were easily gathered by Alisson. On one occasion, a delivery from Harvey Barnes found Gordon's head, but he failed to hit the target.
In their first two league matches, Newcastle has taken 26 shots but managed only six on target, resulting in just two goals.
Although Osula scored on Monday night, the 22-year-old is still developing and has never started a Premier League match for the club.
If Newcastle cannot secure new signings in the coming days, Osula may find himself starting against Leeds United on Saturday, especially after the club's bids for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa were rejected.
Howe is keenly aware that one of the world's best strikers is still on Newcastle's roster—and how much the team could benefit from the return of Isak.
"The quality of Alex would have made a difference in the team," he acknowledged. "There’s no denying that. However, the team has performed well overall. The players have functioned as a cohesive unit in these two matches. You cannot carry anyone in this league against any opponent. Yes, we needed to score when we were dominant in the first half. Goals change games, but we are managing with what we have."
Howe admitted he was "not privy to the talks" amid suggestions that Jamie Reuben, the club's owner, held discussions with Isak while chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan is also in town.
Nonetheless, a resolution to this saga appears imminent as the transfer window closes on September 1.
And it is certainly needed.