Ekitike's Anfield Masterclass Extends Newcastle's Miserable Run
Hugo Ekitike delivered a devastating performance at Anfield on Saturday evening, scoring two crucial goals in Liverpool's emphatic 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. The French striker's clinical finishing and intelligent movement provided a stark reminder of why the Magpies had pursued him so vigorously in recent transfer windows, only to see him join Liverpool instead.
A Partnership Blossoming on Merseyside
The match offered compelling evidence of Liverpool's emerging attacking chemistry, with Ekitike combining superbly with German playmaker Florian Wirtz throughout the contest. Their understanding, which has been developing steadily since both arrived at the club, reached new heights as they orchestrated Liverpool's comeback from a goal down.
Wirtz, who ended the match with both a goal and an assist, provided the low cutback that Ekitike converted for Liverpool's equaliser. Just two minutes later, the French international demonstrated his individual quality with a brilliant second goal, changing pace to deceive defender Malick Thiaw before finishing with the outside of his right boot past a stranded Nick Pope.
Newcastle's Transfer Regrets Laid Bare
For Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the match represented a particularly painful experience. The Magpies had identified Ekitike as their preferred replacement for Alexander Isak, who was sold to Liverpool for £125 million last summer, but were unable to secure his signature on either occasion they attempted to sign him.
Howe's attacking alternatives struggled to make an impact, with summer signings Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade introduced together after 73 minutes when the game was already beyond Newcastle's reach. Neither player contributed significantly, highlighting the gulf in quality between Ekitike and those Newcastle ultimately settled for.
Statistical Superiority and Emotional Moments
The victory marked Liverpool's first Premier League win of 2026 and saw them return to the top five of the table. Remarkably, Arne Slot's side have now lost just once in their last sixteen matches across all competitions, despite facing considerable online criticism directed at their manager.
Liverpool also addressed a notable weakness, having previously taken only two points from losing positions in the Premier League this season. They secured all three points after falling behind to Anthony Gordon's first-half strike, which represented the England international's first Premier League goal in open play for over a year.
The match concluded with an emotional moment as Ibrahima Konate, returning to the side following the death of his father, prodded home Liverpool's fourth goal after Pope spilled Dominik Szoboszlai's corner. It was the first time since August that Liverpool had scored four times in a top-flight match.
Newcastle's Anfield Woes Continue
For Newcastle, their miserable record at Anfield extended to thirty years without a victory. Their away form remains problematic, and they have now failed to win any Premier League match without captain Bruno Guimaraes since his first start in the competition four years ago. The Brazilian midfielder was absent through injury, further weakening Newcastle's midfield structure.
Despite creating several opportunities in the first half, with Harvey Barnes rattling the post from a well-worked free kick and Alisson making important saves from both Gordon and Barnes, Newcastle's defensive frailties were exposed once Liverpool found their rhythm. The absence of Isak, who watched from the stands in an oversized club coat, continues to be keenly felt by the Magpies' attack.
Ekitike's performance, which took his season tally to fifteen goals including nine in his last twelve appearances, suggests Liverpool's substantial investment in rebuilding their attack is beginning to bear fruit. His partnership with Wirtz offers genuine promise for the future, while Newcastle are left to contemplate what might have been had they succeeded in their pursuit of the French striker.
