Hugo Ekitike’s performance helps restore Liverpool’s season momentum.
LIVERPOOL — As Hugo Ekitike tugged at the Liverpool emblem on his jersey, the cameras focused on Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe grimacing on the Anfield sideline. Few moments have conveyed a more striking narrative.
Just over 36 hours prior, during his pre-match press conference, Howe acknowledged his attempts to recruit Ekitike on multiple occasions, with Newcastle’s interest in the French player tracing back to January 2022 when he was still relatively unknown at Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims.
“He possesses a bit of everything,” Howe elaborated. “He has excellent movement, can score with both feet, is strong in the air, and dribbles the ball exceptionally well. He is a significant talent.”
On Saturday evening, the Newcastle manager had another chance to observe that talent up close as Ekitike’s remarkable brace propelled Liverpool to a 4-1 comeback victory over his team on Merseyside. This marked the Reds’ first Premier League win of 2026, ending a five-match winless run in the top tier and helping to alleviate Liverpool’s January woes.
– Transfer rumors, news: Inter Milan consider potential loan for Curtis Jones
– As it happened: Liverpool triumph over Newcastle, Chelsea’s stunning comeback
– Grading all 36 Champions League teams: Slot’s Reds receive a B+
At the heart of it all was Ekitike, who has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving at the club from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million during the summer. The 23-year-old has now netted 15 goals across all competitions for Arne Slot’s team this season, with only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland surpassing Ekitike’s tally of 19 goal contributions in 2025-26.
For Liverpool, the forward’s latest standout performance could not have come at a more opportune moment. Even after the Reds dispatched FK Qarabag to secure their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League midweek, the ominous clouds that have hovered over Anfield for much of the season persisted.
Last weekend’s last-minute loss to AFC Bournemouth had once again intensified the scrutiny on Slot, if not from the Liverpool hierarchy, then certainly from an increasingly vocal segment of the club’s supporters. After months of having his every statement and action meticulously analyzed on social media, Slot would have been pleased to let his team’s performance speak for itself against Newcastle.
As is often the case, Liverpool rarely makes things easy, and Saturday was no exception as they fell behind early to a well-placed shot from former Everton player Anthony Gordon. At that moment, it seemed like it might be a familiar tale for Slot’s side, who prior to this weekend had only managed to secure a meager two points from losing positions in the league this season.
However, on this occasion, it appeared Liverpool was determined to change the narrative, with Ekitike equalizing in the 41st minute following some excellent play from the steadily improving Florian Wirtz in the buildup. The pair have now assisted each other six times in all competitions this season—the most by two players aged 23 and younger for Liverpool since Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard in 2002-03 (six).
Perhaps sensing the chance to inflict further disappointment on his long-time admirers, Ekitike quickly struck again to give Liverpool the lead just before half-time, with his exquisite finish drawing comparisons to legendary Reds striker Fernando Torres.
“It is all about Hugo Ekitike running the channel,” former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard remarked to TNT Sports at half-time. “It is Torres-like. He gets it out of his feet and that toe-poke. He reminds me of Torres every time I watch him.”
While it may seem premature to compare Ekitike to the former Spain international, his speed, grace, and even his newly dyed platinum hair make it hard not to notice similarities between the two.
“From the beginning, everyone can see how special and fast he is,” Slot stated in his post-match press conference. “We witnessed this with the second goal he scored. He took a one-on-one and went around the outside; it is very challenging to beat someone on the outside, as players usually go inside and take a shot. I would like to emphasize that he has not improved significantly on the ball because he was exceptional from the start; his most considerable improvement is his work rate off the ball.”
Ekitike could have completed a hat trick but for a moment of haste when he intercepted the ball from Dan Burn and shot well wide of Nick Pope’s goal in the second half. Nevertheless, Liverpool would not suffer for the striker’s rare lapse, as Wirtz and defender Ibrahima Konaté later added further polish to the scoreline, securing a vital three points.
Konaté’s inclusion in the lineup had been uncertain this week, as the Frenchman had been on compassionate leave following the passing of his father. He was moved to tears after scoring his first league goal at Anfield, and in many respects, his goal symbolized all that was positive about Liverpool on Saturday night.
Far too often this season, Slot’s team has faltered in the face of adversity, but against Newcastle, they summoned the strength and determination to silence the criticism and continue fighting. The emotional celebrations as Konaté absorbed the applause from the Kop reflected a team that remains united, even if their form this season has frequently led to claims of discord from the outside.
This marks the first time since Liverpool secured the title against Tottenham Hotspur last April that they have come from behind to win a Premier League match. It is a concerning statistic, but the outcome does at least enhance the Reds’ chances of finishing in the top four this season, even if that balmy spring day against Spurs now feels like a distant memory.
Perhaps the lasting image of the night, however, came when Ekitike was substituted late in the game. As the striker wearily walked past the away section, he turned to the traveling fans and playfully held up his fingers to indicate the scoreline.
The Newcastle supporters could undoubtedly have done without the reminder. For them—and for several other clubs among Europe’s elite—Ekitike may well prove to be the one that slipped away.
