Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool produced considered one of their most convincing performances of the season to return from behind to beat Newcastle 4-1, rising above Manchester United into fifth within the Premier League desk.
Arne Slot’s facet have been criticised for an absence of aptitude in current weeks however there was no scarcity of favor of their first league win of 2026, scoring greater than two targets at Anfield for the primary time since opening night time in opposition to Bournemouth.
Ekitike was the chief tormentor, aided by Florian Wirtz, now the Premier League’s most prolific duo having mixed for six targets in all competitions. Liverpool needed to overcome an early setback after Anthony Gordon scored from open play for the primary time in a 12 months, however the the rest of the sport was dictated by the dynamism of the hosts’ attacking high quality.
Newcastle, lacking the instrumental Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfield, failed to deal with the tempo and have been powerless to cease Wirtz’ mazy dribble to tee up Ekitike for the leveller simply earlier than half-time. Lower than two minutes later the 23-year-old had collected Milos Kerkez’ ball down the road and was firing throughout Nick Pope.
Goalscorer Florian Wirtz celebrates with team-mate Mohamed Salah
After a taxing midweek journey to Paris Saint-Germain within the Champions League, Newcastle had run out of steam. Wirtz mixed with Mohamed Salah for a well-worked third to place the sport to mattress earlier than Ibrahima scored an emotional fourth late on, returning to the beginning XI for the primary time in three video games after the unhappy passing of his father.
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