PL Player of the Matchweek: Ngumoha battles Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Everton stars and two others

Rio Ngumoha has capped a memorable week with a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Matchweek, following his record-breaking debut for Liverpool on Monday night.

The England youth international of Nigerian descent came off the bench to fire home a dramatic winner in Liverpool's 3-2 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club's history at the age of 16 years and 361 days. 

His composed finish not only sealed all three points but also set a new benchmark as the latest match-winning goal ever scored by a Liverpool player in the Premier League, surpassing Darwin Núñez’'s late header against Nottingham Forest in March 2024.

Ngumoha’s strike also etched his name into league history as the fourth-youngest scorer in Premier League history, behind James Vaughan, James Milner and Wayne Rooney.

The Premier League's new initiative sees eight standout performers nominated for the Player of the Matchweek. 

Ngumoha faces competition from Arsenal duo Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyökeres, Brentford's Dango Ouattara, Burnley's Jaidon Anthony, Chelsea's João Pedro, Everton's Jack Grealish and Tottenham Hotspur's João Palhinha.

Currently a second-year scholar, Ngumoha is expected to sign his first professional contract with Liverpool when he turns 17 in September 2025, marking the next milestone in what is already shaping up to be a remarkable career.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com