Liverpool: Arne Slot plays down Alexander Isak links as Hugo Ekitike extends scoring form | OneFootball

The Frenchman made it three goals in as many appearances for Liverpool as they beat Newcastle on Monday night

Liverpool played out a thriller on Tyneside, with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha hitting a stunning winner to make it 3-2 late in injury time.

The match was played with the acrimonious backdrop of Liverpool’s transfer interest in Newcastle striker Isak, who was absent from the matchday squad as he remains on strike in a bid to force a move away from the northeast.

Asked about Liverpool’s interest in Isak, Slot said he hoped the focus could be on Ekitikes’ performance instead.

“I think the story should be about Hugo Ekitike scoring another goal for us,” he said.

“He has been three games with us now, scored three goals, impacted the games he played.

“This is not the place to talk about anything other than that.”

It was a dramatic outing at St James’ Park, as the hosts went a man down following a reckless challenge from Anthony Gordon shortly before half-time.

Slot continued, saying he felt the red card did not change the state of the game due to Newcastle’s direct tactical approach.

"I'm not too sure if I saw a football match today. It was set-piece after set-piece, long throws. It didn't have a lot to do with tactics.

"But I liked a lot how we stood strong. It was a very difficult first half hour, 45 minutes. We didn't collapse at all and went 1-0 up.

"Their going down to 10 men, you would expect is a big plus for us but when a goalkeeper takes every free-kick, there is not much hope if you are one player up. That's why it was so difficult to bring the 2-0 over the line."