Virgil van Dijk was relieved to see Liverpool escape St James’ Park with three factors on Monday, acknowledging Newcastle United had been fired up by the Alexander Isak switch saga.
Liverpool had a £110m provide for Isak rejected earlier within the switch window, however the Swede stays decided to pressure a transfer to Anfield and is coaching away from Newcastle’s squad.
The match in opposition to Isak’s potential suitors was Newcastle’s first because the striker accused the membership of breaking guarantees over his future in a public assertion.
And with Hugo Ekitike additionally that includes for Liverpool after rejecting a transfer to Tyneside final month, the house followers created a ferocious ambiance.
Regardless of seeing Anthony Gordon despatched off for a reckless lunge on Van Dijk, Newcastle recovered from 2-0 down to attract stage at 2-2.
However 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha had the ultimate say, sweeping past Nick Pope 10 minutes into stoppage time to make it two wins from two video games for the Premier League champions.
“Everyone knows that there was a number of oil on the fireplace, I might say, this week, with the intention to get Newcastle fired up,” Van Dijk informed Sky Sports activities.
“What occurred tonight was anticipated. I believe for us the disappointing half is that we conceded two from set-pieces and that shouldn’t occur. However total, it’s a fantastic three factors.”
Gordon’s crimson card got here after a VAR assessment, with Simon Hooper initially reserving the previous Everton man for a horrible lunge that noticed him scrape his studs down Van Dijk’s calf.
Reflecting on the crimson card, Van Dijk added: “Effectively, I mentioned to him, ‘if this isn’t sending off, then I don’t perceive soccer’.
“I believe it was already unusual that the referee needed to go to the monitor. However hear, this stuff occur in soccer. Should you meant it or not, it occurred. We transfer on.”
Ngumoha’s aim made him the fourth-youngest scorer in Premier League historical past, after James Vaughan (16 years, 270 days), James Milner (16 years, 356 days) and Wayne Rooney (16 years, 360 days), however Van Dijk expects him to stay grounded.
“It was a dream debut for him. I believe that entire assault was fairly good. It was an ideal assault,” Van Dijk mentioned. “I’m very, more than happy for Rio.
“I’ve talked about it earlier than to him already, it’s all a begin now, he has to maintain working arduous and keep humble.
“He has to take pleasure in this, as a result of these nights you may’t take with no consideration, after all, for those who’re in his place.
“And I’m positive with the gamers that we now have, he might be again in coaching and having a tough session once more tomorrow.”