It was another worrying performance for Liverpool as they drew to Tottenham 1-1 at Anfield on Sunday evening, squandering a huge opportunity to move inside the top four of the Premier League. The Reds will have expected to earn all three points given their opponents’ ongoing search for a first victory in 12, as they sit just one point above West Ham, who are in the relegation zone.
But in the first-half, Arne Slot’s side never got out of second gear, and instead opened the scoring in the 18th minute courtesy of another wonderful – albeit probably saveable – free-kick. It was the Hungarian’s fifth goal of the kind of the campaign, but wasn’t enough to seal victory as Richarlison punished the Reds’ lethargy late on.
In the end, though, there was still one big positive for Liverpool. It was the sight of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who made his first Premier League start after weeks of calls from the Anfield faithful for him to get more minutes. Off the back of his performance, there has been a big reaction to the teenage sensation.
Fans Make Same Point About Rio Ngumoha in Tottenham Draw
While his youthful age could sometimes be a hindrance in terms of decision-making, Rio Ngumoha’s positives far outweighed any potential negatives on Saturday evening. The teenager’s willingness to drive directly at his opponent – and the ability and energy to try several different things – was a refreshing sight on a flank that had previously felt predictable under Cody Gakpo’s tenancy.
Ngumoha’s versatility to drop deep, stay wide, dribble past his marker, and cross or shoot on either foot makes him a handful for any defender. As Jamie Carragher noted during his commentary duties with Sky Sports: “You can’t stop that lad one-on-one.” That certainly rang true as he ran Pedro Porro ragged before his substitution in the 64th minute. In truth, that showing alone may have been enough to prove he deserves more regular starts, with one X user remarking:
“Rio Ngumoha should start every match for Liverpool until the end of the season, he will get sharper and better with only game time.”
Another user raved: “Ngumoha showing why he should be starting so much more,” as a third wrote: “Ngumoha has to start against Galatasaray. Not only because he’s amazing, but see how he gets the crowd going. Will need that.”
The Englishman, who was prized away from Chelsea in 2024, successfully completed all seven of his dribble attempts, got three shots away – all with relative threat – and boasted a 93 per cent pass success rate in the opposition half.
Liverpool Capitalise on Chance to Boost UCL Qualification Ambitions
After Chelsea lost at home to Newcastle a day prior, and Aston Villa were put to the sword against Manchester United in the earlier kickoff on Sunday, Liverpool failed to leap-frog both to move into fourth by the end of the weekend.
Even after English sides struggled in Europe in midweek, it still looks likely that the Premier League will be handed five spots in the Champions League next term. But the Reds still have a lot of work to do if they are to earn that final spot, as they sit just a point better off than Chelsea in fifth.