'I'm not sure I saw a football match' - Slot on Newcastle gameplan

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said "he is not too sure he saw a football match" in reference to Newcastle United's gameplan during his side's 3-2 win at St James' Park.

The Reds' 16-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute winner in a breathless match during which Newcastle fought back from 2-0 down with 10 men.

Opta's statistics indicate the ball was in play for 40.8% of the match - the lowest percentage in a Premier League match since February 2010.

"I'm not too sure if I saw a football match," Slot told Sky Sports after the game.

"It was set-piece after set-piece, long throws. It didn't have a lot to do with tactics. But I liked a lot how we stood strong."

The match was played out against the backdrop of Alexander Isak's desire to leave Newcastle for Liverpool, which contributed to a feisty atmosphere inside the stadium.

That translated onto the pitch, with Newcastle's Anthony Gordon shown a red card for a rash challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shortly before half-time.

There were 32 fouls in total - the most in a Premier League game so far this season.

"It was a very difficult first half hour, 45 minutes. We didn't collapse at all and went 1-0 up," said Slot.

"Newcastle going down to 10 men, you would expect is a big plus for us but when a goalkeeper takes every free-kick, there is not much hope [benefit] if you are one player up. That's why it was so difficult to bring the 2-0 over the line."

Gordon apologises for red card

England forward Gordon has apologised for his dismissal, saying his "intentions were pure".

In a post on social media, the 24-year-old said: "I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle.

"I also want to apologise to Virgil. I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.

"More importantly, I'm proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played. The atmosphere from you all is what makes St James' Park so special.

"I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now. I'll be back and better, the same as every other setback I've faced."

Anthony Gordon Virgil van Dijk Late Winner Red Card Premier League Liverpool Newcastle United Rio Ngumoha

Virgil van Dijk shares Rio Ngumoha prediction after issuing daunting list of demands: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who became the club's youngest ever scorer with a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle. Van Dijk highlighted Ngumoha's mentality and potential for a 'fantastic career.'

Man Utd benefit from Howard Webb clampdown while Alan Shearer admits VAR got it right: Liverpool defeated Newcastle 3-2 in a dramatic match where Anthony Gordon's red card after VAR review sparked controversy. VAR decisions dominated the weekend, including a missed penalty by Bruno Fernandes.

Secret Alexander Isak meeting revealed 'as Liverpool prepare £120m second bid': Newcastle held secret talks with Alexander Isak to persuade him to stay amid Liverpool's £120m bid. Isak's future is uncertain after he claimed broken promises at Newcastle, with the club eyeing replacements like Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand-Larsen.