Transfer statement is needed as fans make feelings known – and new weapon unveiled

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT FROM 3-2 DEFEAT TO LIVERPOOL

- By ROSS GREGORY Football writer

NEWCASTLE United produced a stirring comeback with 10 men against Liverpool only to end the game empty-handed after a heartbreaking injury-time winner for the champions.

Newcastle had been reduced to 10 men on the stroke of halftime after Anthony Gordon saw red, and trailed 2-0 to goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.

However, a stunning passage of play saw them draw level after goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula, only for Liverpool's 16-year-old substitute Rio Ngumoha to win it in the 99th minute. Here are five things we learned from the game.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan watched on calmly from the stands, an interested observer as the chaos unfolded around him. By the end, though, he had to get involved, striding down to the pitchside for the final whistle.

The Newcastle chairman was also at the last home Premier League clash, the final fixture of last season when Champions League qualification was secured despite a defeat against Everton. He was on the pitch joking and laughing with the players, Alexander Isak included. All looked rosy at the end of a campaign that saw Newcastle end their 56-year wait for silverware.

It has unravelled quickly. Eddie Howe had warned immediately after that game that speed was of the essence in recruitment. Talks with Al-Rumayyan and the board were held but, within days, sporting director Paul Mitchell had announced his departure. The rest of the summer is well documented.

Any appearance by Al-Rumayyan feels important, but this one had added weight. The obvious online speculation claimed he was at the match to thrash out with Liverpool the terms of Isak's transfer. More the case that talks have been held with the player and his representatives.