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Theo Walcott has revealed he was left on the verge of tears after watching 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha score a dramatic winner for Liverpool against Newcastle United.
Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season, but once again had to leave it late — this time against 10-man Newcastle. After racing into a 2-0 lead, the Reds surrendered two sloppy goals and suddenly looked vulnerable, with the Magpies threatening to snatch the points.
Then, right at the death, the 16-year-old stepped off the bench for his Premier League debut to deliver the decisive blow, sealing what felt like a dramatic smash-and-grab victory.
Walcott admitted the goal left him overwhelmed, confessing it nearly brought him to tears. "What a moment" said the former Arsenal forward on Monday Night Club. "I nearly had a tear to my eye with that goal and the 16-year-old Rio scoring. Beautiful. Incredible scenes".
Ngumoha has already made a name for himself during pre-season, sparking curiosity over whether he will see meaningful minutes this campaign.
Until recently, Arne Slot suggested the teenager wasn’t part of his immediate plans, leading many to assume any opportunities would be limited. At just 16, questions naturally arise about whether he can step up — but talent knows no age.
Ngumoha answered those doubts emphatically. His blistering pace troubled a tiring Newcastle defence, and the youngster was duly rewarded with a well-taken goal.
By leaving him out against Bournemouth, Slot may have been trying, in some way, to temper the hype and manage expectations. But the cat is now firmly out of the bag — Ngumoha is an exceptionally exciting talent who is already capable of competing with the best.
In many ways, the teenager is forcing Slot to rethink his plans. What might have been intended as a season of gradual first-team integration could now become a campaign where Ngumoha makes a strong case for regular involvement.
While starting him every week might still be premature, a few more decisive late contributions like this one will inevitably fuel calls for it. At the very least, there’s now a compelling argument to deploy Ngumoha’s energy off the bench more consistently.
Liverpool fans may get to see more of him this season, with Ngumoha offering a different dynamic off the bench compared to Cody Gakpo. This moment is one that will be remembered for a long time, and in the bigger picture, it could prove pivotal when the season reaches its climax in May.
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