Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has called for “clarity” over Alexander Isak’s future after his side suffered a heartbreaking late defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park.
Howe’s men, reduced to ten after Anthony Gordon’s first-half red card, fought valiantly to level the game at 2-2 before 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha struck a dramatic 100th-minute winner on his Premier League debut. The youngster’s finish sealed a thrilling contest and left Newcastle reeling with just a single point from their opening two matches.
The defeat was overshadowed by ongoing uncertainty around star striker Alexander Isak, who has been on strike in an effort to force a move to Liverpool. The Swedish forward has been training separately from the squad and did not attend the match, even as senior figures from Newcastle’s ownership group attempted to persuade him to reconsider.
Howe stressed that his focus remains on the players fully committed to the club. “I am putting my energy into those who want to be here,” he said, while admitting the saga needs to be resolved quickly so the team can move forward. He acknowledged that Isak’s quality could have made a difference in recent games but emphasized the importance of commitment over talent.
Despite the result, Howe praised his side’s spirit and the performance of stand-ins such as Will Osula, who came off the bench to score. “These players make me proud. They are connected to the club in a deep way. Naturally, I want players who are committed to Newcastle,” he said.
On Gordon’s dismissal, Howe admitted the winger was “slightly unlucky” but accepted that the challenge on Virgil van Dijk warranted punishment. Gordon later issued an apology on social media to both teammates and fans, as well as Van Dijk, stressing there was no intent to cause harm.
Liverpool’s manager, meanwhile, celebrated the resilience of his team in an “uncontrollable” game shaped by atmosphere and emotion. He hailed Ngumoha’s composure in front of goal, describing the teenager as a natural finisher with remarkable confidence for his age.
For Newcastle, the priority now lies in resolving the Isak standoff and shoring up their attacking options before the season slips away. For Liverpool, the night belonged to a fearless teenager who delivered one of the most dramatic debuts in recent memory.
