Hugo Ekitike turned the game on its head to stun former suitors Newcastle United as champions Liverpool recorded their first Premier League win of 2026.
Newcastle attempted to sign Ekitike in three transfer windows over the course of three and a half years, and how the visitors rued losing out to Liverpool in the race to recruit the striker from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.
Newcastle strike first at Anfield
After scoring in the reverse fixture in August, the Frenchman came back to haunt Eddie Howe’s side once again at a buoyant Anfield with two goals in two minutes before half-time.
Anthony Gordon had initially opened the scoring for Newcastle with a fine finish, briefly giving the visitors hope of ending their long wait for a league win at Anfield.
Ekitike shines against Newcastle – Getty imageEkitike’s rapid double swings momentum
Liverpool responded emphatically, with Ekitike scoring twice in quick succession to flip the contest before the break.
Florian Wirtz played a central role in the equaliser, weaving through Newcastle shirts before squaring for Ekitike to finish first time at the near post.
Just minutes later, Ekitike struck again, latching onto Milos Kerkez’s pass down the left channel, driving into the box and firing beyond Nick Pope to put Liverpool ahead.
Second-half control seals Liverpool win
Newcastle emerged for the second half looking rattled, and although Alisson was forced into action to deny Harvey Barnes, Liverpool soon asserted full control.
Mohamed Salah teed up Wirtz with a clever lay-off, allowing the German midfielder to calmly sweep home Liverpool’s third from inside the area.
Ibrahima Konate added a fourth from close range following a mistake by Pope. The goal was an emotional moment for the defender, playing his first match since returning from compassionate leave following the death of his father.
The result ended Liverpool’s five-game winless run in the league, while Newcastle’s struggles at Anfield continued as they slipped to 10th in the Premier League table.
