Two goals in 120 seconds from Hugo Ekitiké turn the game around at Anfield, keeping Liverpool’s Top Four hopes alive.
Anfield witnessed a French masterclass this Saturday as Hugo Ekitiké scored twice in just two minutes to inspire Liverpool to a dominant 4-1 comeback victory over Newcastle United. Despite an early scare, Arne Slot’s side showed why they remain one of the most dangerous attacking forces in the Premier League.
The Two-Minute Turnaround
Newcastle started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 36th minute through Anthony Gordon, who silenced the home crowd with a powerful strike. However, the joy for the Magpies was short-lived.
In the 41st minute, Florian Wirtz the architect of Liverpool’s midfield delivered a low cross that Ekitiké clinically turned home. Before Newcastle could even regroup, the Frenchman struck again. In the 43rd minute, latching onto a pinpoint Milos Kerkez pass, Ekitiké finished with class to flip the game on its head before halftime.
Wirtz and Konaté Seal the Rout
The second half saw Liverpool maintain their relentless pressure. Mohamed Salah and Wirtz combined beautifully in the 69th minute, with the German playmaker curling a strike into the bottom corner. In stoppage time, a rare blunder from goalkeeper Nick Pope allowed Ibrahima Konaté to tap in the fourth, sealing a statement win for the Reds.
Ekitiké: The New Fan Favorite
Although Ekitiké narrowly missed a chance for a hat-trick early in the second half, his performance was met with a standing ovation. With 10 Premier League goals already this season, the January arrival is quickly proving to be one of the best signings of the year.
On social media, the “Wirtz-Ekitiké” connection is already being hailed as the league’s most exciting duo. “Ekitiké, what a signing!” praised one fan, while another noted: “Without him, we’d be in serious trouble this season.”
HUGO EKITIKE HATTRICK MISS pic.twitter.com/ZDcSqnn0W3
— KinG £ (@xKGx__) January 31, 2026
Match Stats: Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle
- Goals: Gordon (36′), Ekitiké (41′, 43′), Wirtz (69′), Konaté (90+2′).
- Man of the Match: Hugo Ekitiké (2 goals).
- Premier League Standings: Liverpool move to 36 points, keeping pace with Chelsea in the race for the Champions League spots.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
