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Hugo Ekitike delivered a game-changing performance against his former admirers, Newcastle United, as Liverpool clinched their first Premier League victory of 2026.
For three and a half years, Newcastle made repeated attempts to secure Ekitike’s signature across three transfer windows. However, they watched in disappointment as Liverpool succeeded in luring the striker away from Eintracht Frankfurt during the summer transfer season.
Newcastle strike first at Anfield
Having already found the net in the reverse fixture back in August, Ekitike once again tormented Eddie Howe’s squad at a lively Anfield, netting two crucial goals within two minutes just before halftime.
Initially, it was Anthony Gordon who put Newcastle ahead with a superb finish, sparking hopes of breaking their long-standing winless streak at Anfield.
Ekitike’s rapid double swings momentum
However, Liverpool swiftly turned the tide, with Ekitike scoring twice in rapid succession to dramatically shift the momentum before the interval.
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.