Ekitike shows Newcastle what they missed out on in Liverpool win

Hugo Ekitike showed Newcastle exactly what they missed out on with two goals as Liverpool recorded their first Premier League victory of 2026 with a 4-1 win to move up to fifth in the table.

The France international, who also scored at St James’ Park, was the Magpies’ primary summer transfer target yet was snatched from under their noses by the defending champions.

They also took Alexander Isak from Tyneside in a British record transfer to rub salt into the wounds but he is still recovering from a broken leg so it was left to Ekitike to pile on the misery.

He took his tally to 15 for the season, reaching double figures in the league, as Liverpool came from behind in a first half which, at times, resembled the chaos of these two clubs’ famous encounters of the mid-1990s.

Fans have already started to draw comparisons with Fernando Torres and while that may be premature his finish for the second goal had a touch of the former Spain international who was so beloved here.

Someone else who has also rapidly become a favourite is fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz, whose quick feet set up Ekitike’s first and then added the important third.

A tearful Ibrahima Konate scored in added time on his first appearance since the death of his father.

Newcastle, without the creativity of the injured Bruno Guimaraes, looked to physically intimidate with Anthony Gordon booked for a late lunge on goalkeeper Alisson Becker having earlier clattered Alexis Mac Allister.

It was an approach they would maintain throughout the game but with diminishing returns.

An outstanding finish to give us the lead!