Liverpool reply in model with 4-1 win over Newcastle United
Liverpool rediscovered their Premier League authority with a commanding 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield, an evening formed by sharp ending, emotional moments and a striker who continues to justify the membership’s religion.
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Champions looking for rhythm and reassurance, Liverpool discovered each via Hugo Ekitike, whose devastating brace earlier than half-time swung the competition decisively. Newcastle, who had struck first and briefly threatened to disrupt the champions’ night, had been in the end overpowered by high quality, motion and management.
Early setback sparks Liverpool restoration
Newcastle started with intent and goal, unsettling the house crowd when Anthony Gordon opened the scoring with a assured end. Driving inside, he drilled the ball via the legs of Milos Kerkez and past Alisson, then defiantly pointed to his ear in celebration at a surprised Anfield.
The guests briefly had the sport on their phrases, fluid in form and tough to trace. Eddie Howe’s choice to begin and not using a recognised striker regarded impressed, significantly with Gordon main the road and discovering pockets of area.
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Liverpool, nonetheless, responded with composure reasonably than panic. Their equaliser carried a well-known imprint. Florian Wirtz danced via a cluster of black and white shirts, opened his physique and reduce the ball throughout purpose, permitting Ekitike to complete first time on the close to put up.
Picture: IMAGO
Two minutes later, the sport turned utterly. Kerkez threaded a exact cross down the left channel, Ekitike surged into the field and fired low previous Nick Pope into the underside nook. Newcastle, already cautious of the ahead they’d pursued throughout three switch home windows, had been all of the sudden behind and visibly shaken.
Ekitike delivers decisive edge
Ekitike’s impression was ruthless and well timed. After scoring within the reverse fixture in August, he once more proved decisive towards his former suitors, punishing hesitation and poor positioning.
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On the eve of the match, Howe described Ekitike as a “big expertise” who has “nice motion” and “can rating with each ft”. The evaluation proved painfully correct. With Newcastle on prime and Gordon near doubling their lead, it was Ekitike who dragged Liverpool degree after which pushed them forward.
It’s what Liverpool’s most interesting forwards have all the time executed, stepping ahead when momentum threatens to float. Since his debut in August, solely Erling Haaland has been concerned in additional objectives for a Premier League aspect in all competitions, 31 to Ekitike’s 19. No surprise his second-half substitution was met with a standing ovation.
Management and composure after the break
Any hope Newcastle had of regrouping light early within the second half. Though Alisson wanted to parry a robust effort from Harvey Barnes, Liverpool rapidly reasserted management.
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Mohamed Salah dropped deep, drew defenders and rolled a deft lay-off into Wirtz’s path. The German swept the ball dwelling from contained in the field with calm precision, underlining his rising affect in decisive moments.
Picture: IMAGO
The fourth purpose carried emotional weight. Konate, taking part in his first match since coming back from compassionate depart following the loss of life of his father, capitalised on a Pope error to attain from shut vary. The defender’s tearful response resonated deeply inside Anfield, a reminder that soccer typically carries tales past the scoreline.
Newcastle undone by defensive frailty
For all Newcastle’s ambition, their defending proved pricey. Wirtz was afforded far an excessive amount of area for the primary purpose. Kieran Trippier was caught out of place for the second. Wirtz once more discovered freedom for the third, and Pope’s dealing with error gifted Konate the fourth.
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Newcastle have now dropped 16 factors from successful positions this season, a statistic that continues to undermine their progress. Their watch for a league victory at Anfield, stretching again to 1994, goes on.
For Liverpool, this was a primary 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 an announcement of renewed authority reasonably than mere restoration.