Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike delivered a ruthless reminder of what Newcastle United missed out on as Liverpool swept past the Magpies at Anfield to claim their first Premier League victory of 2026.
The French striker, long admired by Newcastle after failed pursuits across three transfer windows, proved decisive once again against Eddie Howe’s side.
Having scored in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Ekitike struck twice in quick succession just before half-time to flip the contest firmly in Liverpool’s favour.
Newcastle had made the brighter start and took the lead through Anthony Gordon, who produced a fine finish to silence the home crowd.
However, Liverpool’s response was swift and emphatic. Ekitike spearheaded the comeback, with Florian Wirtz pulling the strings in an attacking display that overwhelmed the visitors.
The equaliser arrived after Wirtz weaved his way through a cluster of Newcastle defenders before squaring for Ekitike, who finished first time at the near post.
Just two minutes later, the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward struck again, collecting a pass from Milos Kerkez down the left, driving into the area and firing low past Nick Pope to give Liverpool the lead.
Shell-shocked Newcastle, still searching for a first league win at Anfield since 1994, struggled to recover after the break. Although Alisson was called into action to deny Harvey Barnes, Liverpool soon put the result beyond doubt.
Mohamed Salah teed up Wirtz with a clever lay-off, allowing the German to calmly sweep home from inside the box.
The scoring was completed by Ibrahima Konate, who netted from close range following a goalkeeping error by Pope. The centre-back cut an emotional figure, marking his return from compassionate leave after the passing of his father.
The comprehensive victory ended Liverpool’s five-game winless run in the league, while Newcastle slipped to 10th place, left to reflect on another damaging afternoon against a striker they once chased but failed to secure.