Hugo Ekitikes Brilliance…

LIVERPOOL — As Hugo Ekitike tugged at the Liverpool crest on his chest, the cameras captured Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe grimacing on the sidelines at Anfield. It was a moment that encapsulated the stakes of the match.

Just 36 hours prior, during his pre-match press conference, Howe acknowledged his attempts to sign Ekitike multiple times, dating back to January 2022 when the Frenchman was a relatively unknown player at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.

“He possesses everything,” Howe remarked. “His movement is excellent, he can score with both feet, he is strong in the air, and he dribbles well. He is a significant talent.”

That night, Howe got a firsthand look at Ekitike’s talent as his brilliant brace led Liverpool to a commanding 4-1 comeback victory over Newcastle, marking Liverpool’s first win in the Premier League for 2026 and breaking a five-match winless streak that had dampened morale at Anfield.

– Transfer Rumors: Inter Milan considers potential loan for Curtis Jones
– Live updates: Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle, Chelsea’s remarkable comeback
– Grading the 36 teams in the Champions League: Slot’s Reds receive a B+

At the heart of the victory was Ekitike, who has been a standout since his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of £69 million last summer. The 23-year-old has now netted 15 goals across competitions this season, trailing only Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland for total goal contributions in the 2025-26 season.

Ekitike’s timely heroics were exactly what Liverpool needed. Despite recently securing a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, there was still a lingering sense of unease surrounding the club due to a lackluster start to the season.

Last week’s narrow defeat to AFC Bournemouth placed additional pressure on manager Arne Slot, especially among a portion of the fanbase, leading Slot to hope for a correction on the pitch against Newcastle.

True to form, Liverpool faced challenges after conceding an early goal to Anthony Gordon. However, this time, they were determined to turn things around. Ekitike equalized in the 41st minute, thanks to fantastic buildup play from the improving Florian Wirtz. The duo has assisted each other six times this season—matching the record for Liverpool players under 23 set by Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard in 2002-03.

With a sense of mischief, Ekitike soon scored again just before half-time, showcasing a brilliant finish reminiscent of legendary striker Fernando Torres.

“Hugo Ekitike’s movement is key,” former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said during halftime coverage on TNT Sports. “It’s Torres-like. He gets the ball out of his feet, the toe-poke, it reminds me of Torres whenever I watch him.”

While comparisons to the former Spain international might be premature, Ekitike’s speed, elegance, and even his newly dyed platinum hair draw striking parallels between the two players.

“Everyone has seen from the beginning how special and quick he is,” Slot remarked in his post-match interview. “His second goal shows he’s capable of taking on and beating defenders on the outside, which is difficult to do. He was always exceptional on the ball, but his work rate off the ball has notably improved.”

Ekitike almost secured a hat trick but squandered an opportunity when he intercepted the ball from Dan Burn in the second half and fired wide of Nick Pope. Fortunately for Liverpool, this rare lapse did not have repercussions as Wirtz and defender Ibrahima Konaté later padded the score, sealing a crucial three points.

Konaté’s inclusion was uncertain this week due to compassionate leave after his father’s passing, but he was visibly moved when he scored his first league goal at Anfield. His goal symbolized the positives of Liverpool’s performance on that night.

Too often this season, Slot’s squad has faltered in tough situations; however, against Newcastle, they displayed resilience, responding to adversity positively. The emotional celebration as Konaté embraced the applause from the Kop illustrated a team still united, despite outside claims of discord driven by their inconsistent form this season.

This victory marked the first time since clinching the title against Tottenham Hotspur last April that Liverpool had come from behind to win a league match. Although this is a concerning statistic, the outcome nonetheless boosts their aspirations of finishing within the top four, even as the glow of that championship win fades into memory.

However, the lasting image from the night will be Ekitike’s playful gesture to the away supporters as he left the field, holding up his fingers to signal the score.

The Newcastle fans could have certainly done without this reminder. For them—and for several elite clubs throughout Europe—Ekitike might just be the one that slipped through their fingers.