Player ratings as new Liverpool talisman Ekitke clip Magpies wings | OneFootball

Hugo Ekitike inspired Liverpool to a dream comeback in a goal-glutted 4-1 home victory over Premier League strugglers Newcastle United.

Liverpool bounced back from a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth with a dominant 3-0 win over Marseille in midweek UEFA Champions League action, but Arne Slot was still under tremendous pressure heading into this game.

With Chelsea performing a stunning second-half comeback to beat West Ham United earlier in the day, failure was not an option for the Reds, whose top-four hopes are hanging in the balance.

Seeking a way back to the win column after back-to-back winless league outings, visiting Newcastle enjoyed a superb start to the game despite waiting until the 36th minute to open the scoring.

Harvey Barnes set up Anthony Gordon in the box, but the English winger still had a lot to do. However, he had enough time and space to pick out the far bottom corner with pinpoint precision.

Newcastle’s goal proved to be a wake-up call for Liverpool, with Ekitike drawing the home side level only five minutes later in only his second Premier League start in 2026.

Ekitike completed his lightning-fast brace two minutes later, slotting home an inch-perfect finish with the outside of his boot to seal the turnaround and fire Liverpool 2-1 up at half-time.

Though Eddie Howe’s side tried to fight back at the start of the second half, they couldn’t muster any clear-cut opportunity.

When Florian Wirt doubled the Reds’ lead in the 67th minute, it was clear that the Magpies had no way back into the contest.

Ibrahima Konate added insult to injury, capping off a scintillating night for the Merseyside giants.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Alisson Becker (7/10) – Largely untested by Newcastle’s misfiring frontline, the Brazilian did well on set pieces. Gordon gave him no chance.

Milos Kerkez (6/10) – Unfazed by recent criticism, the former Bournemouth left-back delivered a solid performance on both ends of the pitch.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10) – Though he was late to close down Gordon for the opening goal, the Reds captain was unbeatable in the air, making numerous vital clearances.

Ibrahima Konate (8/10) – Not up to the Dutchman’s standard, the French centre-back failed to inspire confidence both on and off the ball. Made up for everything with a late goal.

Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10) – Seems to have finally got used to his new role, showing notable signs of defensive improvement.

Alexis Mac Allister (6/10) – Liverpool lacked his trademark composure and authority in midfield, as he struggled to dictate the tempo and influence proceedings.

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10) – With the Argentine out of sorts, the ex-Ajax star took more responsibility in the middle of the park, emerging as Liverpool’s driving force in the engine room.

Florian Wirtz (8/10) – Set up Ekitike for the equaliser with a delightful cutback after finding a pocket of space inside the box. Returned to the scoresheet with a well-taken shot from just inside the box.

Mohamed Salah (7/10) – Grew into the contest after a slow start but couldn’t find the net despite having several decent chances. Picked up an assist for his troubles.

Cody Gakpo (6/10) – Had far less impact than his attacking teammates despite showing plenty of intent.

Hugo Ekitike (9/10) *MOTM* – Levelled the score with an instinctive finish and turned the game on its head with a pure moment of brilliance.

Substitutes

Federico Chiesa N/A

Curtis Jones N/A

Wataru Endo N/A

Newcastle United (4-3-3)

Nick Pope (5/10) – Ekitike’s awkward first-team shot caught him off guard, but there was nothing he could do to stop the second goal.

Kieran Trippier (6/10) – Comfortably beaten by the French forward for Liverpool’s second, the experienced right-back struggled defensively. Atoned with a decent attacking display.

Malick Thiaw (3/10) – Lost track of Ekitike for the first goal and looked shaky in possession. Decent in the aerial duels, but not enough to

Dan Burn (5/10) – Played at the heart of Newcastle’s backline, the tall defender fared reasonably well against Mo Salah.

Lewis Hall (4/10) – Keeping Salah at bay was his job, and he lived up to the task, but it took a toll on his offensive contribution.

Jacob Ramsey (5/10) – Howe should’ve taken him much sooner, as very few things went his way tonight.

Sandro Tonali (6/10) – Despite putting on another shift in midfield, the Italian star wasn’t able to provide the spark. His set-piece delivery wasn’t up to his standard.

Joe Willock (4/10) – Initiated the move that led to the opening goal but spent most of the game in a stealth mode.

Harvey Barnes (7/10) – In addition to registering an assist, the pacey winger completed several forward runs, albeit without the end product.

Anthony Elanga (3/10) – Completely cut off from the rest of the team, the Swede endured another near-anonymous performance.

Anthony Gordon (8/10) – Howe’s decision to put him in Nick Woltemade’s place paid off in that 36th minute. Demonstrated his class with a sublime finish.

Substitutes

Nick Woltemade (3/10)