Liverpool fans spot worrying mistake Arne Slot keeps making which almost cost them vs Newcastle

Liverpool fans think they've spotted a worrying mistake that manager Arne Slot made during their dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle on Monday.

The Reds made it two wins out of two at the beginning of the Premier League season after 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha scored a 100th-minute winner.

Slot's side went 2-0 up at St James' Park through Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike but Newcastle, who played the second half with 10 players after Anthony Gordon's sending off, hit back with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula.

But it was Ngumoha who scored victory for the Reds with a stunning first-time finish as the clock ticked towards 101 minutes.

16-year-old Rio Ngumoha wins all three points at the death for Liverpool! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/85jkiAfCrE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025

There were some question marks over Liverpool's defending throughout the game, with Thierry Henry questioning Slot on Monday Night Football over their decision to employ a higher line prior to the free kick that led to Newcastle's second goal.

But fans spotted another 'error' that Slot has made in all three games - including the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace - this season.

The Dutchman substituted Ekitike in all three of those games, with each of Liverpool's opponents going to score soon afterwards.

While it may seem a reasonably trivial point at this stage of the season, the French striker has already been noted for his defensive workrate and ability to help out his team-mates inside his own half.

Against Bournemouth, Ekitike lost the ball in the attacking half before sprinting back to intercept the ball as it neared the Cherries' penalty area.

The striker is also adept at holding the ball up when Liverpool need an outlet in possession, allowing them to regain their shape.

However, other fans pointed out that Ekitike is still adapting to a new league and therefore is having his minutes carefully managed by Slot - although perhaps strengthening the argument for a second striker, such as Alexander Isak, to be signed alongside him.

Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "Our play becomes directionless without aim. It's all about width because there's no longer a focal point."

A second said: "He was holding it down at the opponent's defence preventing them pushing forward."

A third added: "This is why we need Isak or another striker similar to Hugo."

But a fourth argued: "You do know we only have one ST, you want us to have none?"

And a fifth said: "He's new to the league and his game time needs to be properly managed."