William Osula steps up: Three winners and three losers from Newcastle's defeat to Liverpool
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Mon 25 August 2025 22:54, UK
Newcastle United are still waiting for their first win of the season, but manager Eddie Howe will be able to take positives for their defeat to Liverpool.
Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic winner in the tenth minute of injury time to give Liverpool a 3-2 win after Newcastle had pegged them back from two goals down.
Anthony Gordon was sent off for a lunging tackle on Virgil van Dijk, whilst Joelinton was fortunate to escape punishment for a high challenge on Cody Gakpo in a heated clash.
Still without Alexander Isak, Newcastle put in a positive performance in-front of their home crowd and below are the three winners and losers from the match.
Photo Credit: Imago
William Osula
In the absence of Isak, William Osula is Newcastle’s only natural number nine, but the 22-year-old had only ever scored one Premier League goal before this fixture.
Managing to guide the ball beyond Allison, Osula thought he had handed Newcastle a deserved point and with Gordon now suspended for the next three matches, Howe may provide the striker with further chances on the pitch.
The Brazilian wanted the ball more than the Liverpool defender as the cross came into the penalty area, and he showed that combative nature throughout the match whilst keeping his emotions in-check.
Guimaraes again proved to be a fighter and leader in the middle of the park, a key player that Howe cannot afford to drop from the side.
Anthony Elanga
Elanga put in a bright performance that showcased his pace and dribbling qualities in-front of the Newcastle support.
The winger was electric and caused Liverpool problems down the flanks and that put the visitors on the back foot.
Elanga justified his £55million move from Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle fans should be excited about the 23-year-old this season.
Appearances43Goals6Assists12Elanga’s 2024/25 season stats in all competitions.(Credit: Getty)
Anthony Gordon
Despite being one-nil down, Anthony Gordon let his manager Howe and Newcastle down with a reckless challenge he did not need to commit on van Dijk.
Before that point Gordon was dangerous for Newcastle and linking up well with Elanga.
With no Isak, Gordon has started up-front in the first two fixtures of the season and now Howe is left with less options to fill the void for the next three matches.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali was substituted with what looked to be a shoulder injury and with recent arrival Jacob Ramsey available for the first time for Howe, the Italian may face a battle to retain his place in the starting line-up if he faces a spell on the sidelines for a considerable period of time.
The midfielder was enjoying a productive display up until that point and Howe will hope the issue is not serious as the manager needs all his stars fit right now.
Nick Pope
With Aaron Ramsdale awaiting his chance from the bench, Nick Pope faces tough competition for the number one spot.