Hugo Ekitike led Liverpool to a convincing 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday, scoring twice at Anfield as the Reds responded strongly to last week’s late defeat at Bournemouth.
The French forward struck two first-half goals to turn the game around after Anthony Gordon had put Newcastle ahead, setting the tone for a dominant Liverpool display that was later sealed by goals from Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool had fallen behind against the run of play, but Ekitike’s movement and sharp finishing quickly swung momentum. His equaliser came after Wirtz weaved through Newcastle’s back line and cut the ball back into a crowded area, where Ekitike reacted quickest to slide home.
The second goal showcased Liverpool’s direct threat. A quick Alisson Becker goal kick, aided by fast thinking from a pitch-side ball boy, caught Newcastle cold. Ekitike burst into space, skipped past a static defence and poked the ball beyond the goalkeeper to complete his brace.
The result mattered beyond the scoreline. Liverpool had suffered a painful last-minute loss at Bournemouth a week earlier, but have steadied themselves with commanding performances, including a 6-0 win over Qarabag that secured third place in their Champions League group.
Anfield carried a sharp edge from the opening minutes, with the crowd responding to Liverpool’s urgency and intensity. Wirtz and Ekitike linked well between the lines, while Newcastle struggled to cope with Liverpool’s pace in transition.
Newcastle threatened sporadically, but key moments went Liverpool’s way. Alisson remained composed when called upon, and the home side’s pressing forced errors that repeatedly disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm.
After the break, Liverpool continued to push. Wirtz added the third with a composed finish, rewarding his influential performance, before the returning Konate capped the night with a late strike that underlined Liverpool’s control.
The second half also highlighted Liverpool’s tactical balance, with disciplined midfield work limiting Newcastle’s chances while allowing the front line to attack with freedom.
Speaking after the match, Ekitike played down comparisons to former Liverpool greats, insisting his focus remains on improvement rather than reputation. Steven Gerrard, working as a pundit, likened the striker’s running and finishing style to Fernando Torres, but Ekitike stressed that he still has work to do.
The win lifts Liverpool back into the top five, one point behind Chelsea and one ahead of Manchester United ahead of Sunday’s fixtures. Attention now turns to next weekend’s clash with Manchester City at Anfield, where Ekitike’s form could again prove decisive.
