An extraordinary game of football was played at St James' Park on Monday night, with Liverpool surviving a stunning Newcastle comeback to win 3-2 following some heroics from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
The game was chaotic from start to finish. Newcastle flew out of the blocks on the night, sprinting at the Liverpool defenders who struggled to handle the Magpies' direct pace and quality.
But Howe's side struggled to carve out a true opportunity, and it was Liverpool who drew blood first through a thunderous Ryan Gravenberch effort.
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The Dutchman saw his effort clip the post as it flew past Nick Pope in the Newcastle net, who was left with no chance.
Ryan Gravenberch thundered in Liverpool's opener
|REUTERS
With the game heading to half-time of a breathtaking encounter, Anthony Gordon sprinted towards Virgil van Dijk in possession and slid to pressurise him, but scraped his studs down the Liverpool skipper's calf.
After a VAR review, referee Simon Hooper was given no choice but to send the England international off, and with Newcastle heading into half-time a goal and a man down, things looked bleak.
It didn't get any better in the second half, either, as Hugo Ekitike, who was strongly linked with a move to St James' Park throughout the summer, doubled the Reds' lead after he hammered the ball home from the edge of the box.
At this point, it looked too far for Newcastle to consider a comeback. Certainly, damage limitations sprung to mind.
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Anthony Gordon was given his marching orders after a nasty challenge on Virgil van Dijk | REUTERSInstead, it was a daring recovery, driven by captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Guimaraes rose higher than Milos Kerkez to head home to score the first, with William Osula getting in behind the defence from a set piece to slot the ball underneath Alisson.
A point, it seemed, had been earned.
But the script was not finished, as 16-year-old Ngumoha stepped up with a composed yet emphatic finish into the side of the goal after a brilliant assist from Dominik Szoboszlai. It wasn't deserved, but, as always, that is what champions do.
Read on below for some observations from a Premier League classic.
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Bruno Guimaraes is a true captain
Newcastle's comeback was remarkable, even if it ended in heartbreak. Every player on the pitch in black and white can be proud of the part they played, but it would not have been possible without their Brazilian maestro.
Guimaraes' tenacity, aggression and passion drove his side forward. He dominated the centre of the park and, crucially, nicked the first goal that sparked the revival.
Many captains across the Premier League can learn from Guimaraes' performance and leadership tonight. If anybody deserved to win the game, it was him.
Liverpool are vulnerable at the back
Liverpool’s centre-back pairing of Ibrahim Konate and van Dijk was formidable last season, but this year it looks anything but.
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Bruno Guimaraes was monstrous in the midfield for Newcastle
|REUTERS
Konate had a torrid time against Bournemouth on the opening day of the season, and had an equally tough start to the game at St James’ Park.
During the game, Chris Sutton claimed he was having a “stinker” on Sky Sports, whereas Jamie Carragher questioned his performance against Bournemouth, saying: “What’s he doing?”
While the Frenchman has not looked his confident best, he remains just one quarter of a back line that looks significantly less supreme than last campaign.
Shipping two, albeit spectacular, goals against Bournemouth last week coupled with their another two at Newcastle tonight show there is much work to do.
Newcastle's second goal, a simple free-kick that saw Liverpool's defence strangely high and exposed by Osula, will definitely be a concern.
Newcastle’s striker crisis has become a squad crisis - but they showed they can overcome almost anything
The game tonight was that of mixed emotion for Newcastle.
There are many positives to take: They pushed the champions all the way despite being a man down for half of the encounter, while many players made their debuts and their determination and heart could be seen for everyone, driven by skipper Guimareas.
But if their striker situation wasn’t already precarious enough, with Alexander Isak on strike and looking to force a move through to Anfield and Callum Wilson leaving the club, the entire squad are now struggling with injuries or suspension.
Gordon, who had been playing out of position to cover for Isak’s vacant striker role, was sent off in the first half for his reckless challenge on van Dijk, leaving Newcastle’s striker options even more depleted.
The midfield was also decimated, with Joelinton and Sandro Tonali suffering worrying injuries, and they were followed down the tunnel by defender Fabian Schar, who sustained a concussion.
Thankfully, Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw were able to make their debuts for the club, though it appeared to be sooner than had been anticipated.
But even without some of their star men, Newcastle were determined and stopped at nothing - despite enduring a red card, conceding goals and suffering injuries. This performance could be a catalyst for them, even if they ultimately fell short.