Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle United as Ekitike shines at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool respond in style with 4-1 win over Newcastle United

Liverpool rediscovered their Premier League authority with a commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield, a night shaped by sharp finishing, emotional moments and a striker who continues to justify the club’s faith.

Champions seeking rhythm and reassurance, Liverpool found both through Hugo Ekitike, whose devastating brace before half-time swung the contest decisively. Newcastle, who had struck first and briefly threatened to disrupt the champions’ evening, were ultimately overpowered by quality, movement and control.

Early setback sparks Liverpool recovery

Newcastle began with intent and purpose, unsettling the home crowd when Anthony Gordon opened the scoring with a confident finish. Driving inside, he drilled the ball through the legs of Milos Kerkez and beyond Alisson, then defiantly pointed to his ear in celebration at a stunned Anfield.

The visitors briefly had the game on their terms, fluid in shape and difficult to track. Eddie Howe’s decision to start without a recognised striker looked inspired, particularly with Gordon leading the line and finding pockets of space.

Liverpool, however, responded with composure rather than panic. Their equaliser carried a familiar imprint. Florian Wirtz danced through a cluster of black and white shirts, opened his body and cut the ball across goal, allowing Ekitike to finish first time at the near post.

Photo: IMAGO

Two minutes later, the game turned completely. Kerkez threaded a precise pass down the left channel, Ekitike surged into the box and fired low past Nick Pope into the bottom corner. Newcastle, already wary of the forward they had pursued across three transfer windows, were suddenly behind and visibly shaken.

Ekitike delivers decisive edge

Ekitike’s impact was ruthless and timely. After scoring in the reverse fixture in August, he again proved decisive against his former suitors, punishing hesitation and poor positioning.

On the eve of the match, Howe described Ekitike as a “huge talent” who has “great movement” and “can score with both feet”. The assessment proved painfully accurate. With Newcastle on top and Gordon close to doubling their lead, it was Ekitike who dragged Liverpool level and then pushed them ahead.

It is what Liverpool’s finest forwards have always done, stepping forward when momentum threatens to drift. Since his debut in August, only Erling Haaland has been involved in more goals for a Premier League side in all competitions, 31 to Ekitike’s 19. No wonder his second-half substitution was met with a standing ovation.

Control and composure after the break

Any hope Newcastle had of regrouping faded early in the second half. Although Alisson needed to parry a powerful effort from Harvey Barnes, Liverpool quickly reasserted control.

Mohamed Salah dropped deep, drew defenders and rolled a deft lay-off into Wirtz’s path. The German swept the ball home from inside the box with calm precision, underlining his growing influence in decisive moments.

Photo: IMAGO

The fourth goal carried emotional weight. Konate, playing his first match since returning from compassionate leave following the death of his father, capitalised on a Pope error to score from close range. The defender’s tearful reaction resonated deeply inside Anfield, a reminder that football often carries stories beyond the scoreline.

Newcastle undone by defensive frailty

For all Newcastle’s ambition, their defending proved costly. Wirtz was afforded far too much space for the first goal. Kieran Trippier was caught out of position for the second. Wirtz again found freedom for the third, and Pope’s handling error gifted Konate the fourth.

Newcastle have now dropped 16 points from winning positions this season, a statistic that continues to undermine their progress. Their wait for a league victory at Anfield, stretching back to 1994, goes on.

For Liverpool, this was a first Premier League win of 2026 and a reminder of their depth and attacking edge. Following a 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag, this felt like a statement of renewed authority rather than mere recovery.