Liverpool tore Newcastle apart with a ruthless 4-1 victory at Anfield on Saturday, as Hugo Ekitike delivered a performance that stirred memories of one of the club’s most iconic forwards. The French striker scored twice in a dominant win, with his second goal drawing immediate comparisons to Fernando Torres and sparking a wave of nostalgia across Merseyside.
The Reds set the tone early and never loosened their grip, overwhelming Newcastle with pace, movement and precision. Ekitike led the charge, finishing the afternoon with a brace that took his season tally to 15 goals in all competitions and underlined his growing influence under Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s attacking depth was on full display as they cut through Newcastle repeatedly, forcing the visitors into a defensive retreat for long spells. While the scoreline reflected collective dominance, it was Ekitike’s individual quality that stood out, particularly in moments where space opened up between the lines.
The result keeps Liverpool firmly in the hunt near the top end of the table, reinforcing their push for a top-four finish. With fixtures stacking up and momentum building, performances like this carry added weight as the season enters a decisive phase.
Anfield was lively from the opening whistle, with the crowd sensing an opportunity to press Newcastle back early. Liverpool’s midfield dictated the tempo, recycling possession quickly and feeding runners into the channels, while Newcastle struggled to cope with the speed of the transitions.
Key incidents followed in quick succession, with Newcastle’s goalkeeper called into action several times to prevent the contest from slipping away even earlier. Liverpool’s pressing forced errors, and the visitors were fortunate not to concede more before the interval.
Ekitike’s goals arrived with clinical clarity. His first came from smart positioning inside the box, punishing a lapse in Newcastle’s defensive shape. The second was the moment that truly caught the imagination. Latching onto a through ball down the inside-left channel, he burst clear of the defence and calmly applied a toe-poke finish past the advancing goalkeeper. The resemblance to Torres’ famous first Liverpool goal against Chelsea in 2007 was unmistakable.
The second half saw Liverpool manage the game with authority, though they remained dangerous whenever space appeared. Newcastle attempted to push higher, but that only invited further pressure, with Liverpool’s wide players stretching the pitch and creating openings.
Late drama was limited, but the home side still found time to underline their superiority, adding to the scoreline and ensuring there would be no comeback. Any hope Newcastle carried into the final stages was quickly extinguished by Liverpool’s control and composure.
The final whistle confirmed a statement win, one that strengthens Liverpool’s position and further elevates Ekitike’s standing among the Anfield faithful. With Steven Gerrard already likening his pace and power to Torres, the 23-year-old is determined to stay grounded, but if performances like this continue, the comparisons may only grow louder.
We thought that one looked familiar 😏 pic.twitter.com/ZhSjlepwJx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 1, 2026
