It’s hard to find any positives in that defeat. It’s really frustrating the way it unfolds. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s the introduction of Leo Ngumoha.
Not for the first time this season, he changed the game. Ngumoha’s direct play immediately caused Bournemouth trouble.
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He broke into the penalty area and could have received a penalty if he went down under the impact. He did win a free-kick a few minutes later when he ran through two Bournemouth players who could only stop him by pulling him down.
The free-kick was converted into the equalizer thanks to a clever combination of Salah and Szoboszlai.
Were it not for Liverpool’s defensive disarray in the final embers of the game, we could easily be talking about another fine cameo from Ngumoha.
Unfortunately we are not. But nonetheless, we shouldn’t ignore this performance. Ngumoha has not received much playing time this season. However, every time he takes the field, he makes a difference.
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His expected assists against Burnley was 0.18. He created two chances in as many minutes against Leeds United.
Earlier this season away to Burnley he created a chance for Jeremy Frimpong before Liverpool won a penalty via a throw-in. He scored a dramatic winner against Newcastle United.
Ngumoha’s contributions, while they may sometimes go unnoticed, are noteworthy.
At this moment, it’s obvious he’s here. He’s already on the big stage.
All that’s left is for Sloat to release him. He will. He had no choice. It should be obvious to Bournemouth that if he wants Liverpool’s form to improve, he needs Ngumoha.