Liverpool secured a 4-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League, moving up to fifth place. Hugo Ekitike starred with two goals against his former suitors, while Ibrahima Konate added an emotional late goal on his return from family bereavement. The win provides a boost for Arne Slot's side after a recent dip in form.
Newcastle United started strongly at Anfield, dominating possession and creating chances. Harvey Barnes struck the post with a free-kick in the 26th minute, and Nick Pope saved Hugo Ekitike's effort shortly after. The visitors took a deserved lead in the 36th minute when Anthony Gordon fired through Milos Kerkez's legs and past Alisson Becker after a break led by Joe Willock.
Liverpool responded swiftly. In the 41st minute, Florian Wirtz danced past three defenders, including leaving Kieran Trippier on the ground, to set up Ekitike for a close-range finish. Three minutes later, quick distribution from Alisson caught Newcastle out, allowing Ekitike to race clear and score with an outside-of-the-boot shot past Pope, his second of the game and 10th in the league this season.
Early in the second half, Ekitike missed a chance for a hat-trick after Dan Burn's error. Alisson made saves from Barnes and Anthony Elanga, both ruled offside. In the 69th minute, Wirtz extended the lead to 3-1 with a precise finish from Mohamed Salah's lay-off. Salah later missed a chance, poking wide.
Newcastle pushed for a comeback with substitutions including Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa, but Liverpool controlled proceedings. In added time, Pope fumbled a corner, and Konate tapped in the fourth, breaking down in tears on his first appearance since his father's death. Konate later said, "I don’t have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family."
Wirtz praised Ekitike: "Unbelievable. It’s fun to play with him on the pitch." The result leaves Newcastle six points behind Liverpool in 10th, six points off Champions League spots. Ekitike, a summer target for Newcastle before joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69m rising to £79m, highlighted Liverpool's transfer success.
