This was the primary time that and Liverpool had met since Alexander Isak accomplished his protracted £125m transfer to Anfield.
But it surely was one other striker who stole the headlines within the injured Swede’s absence.
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On the eve of this sport, Eddie Howe hailed hugo Ekitike as a “large expertise” who has “nice motion” and “can rating with each toes”.
These phrases proved fairly prescient. Newcastle’s loss has been very a lot Liverpool’s achieve.
With Newcastle on high, and Anthony Gordon going near doubling the guests’ lead, Ekitike not solely dragged his facet degree however he put them in entrance.
It’s what the good Liverpool strikers do – step up when their facet want them most – and the hosts didn’t look again from that time.
Remarkably, since Ekitike made his debut for Liverpool in August, solely Erling Haaland has been concerned in additional targets for a Premier League facet in all competitions – 31 to Ekitike’s 19.
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No surprise Ekitike was handed a standing ovation when he got here off within the second half.
Following a snug 6-0 Champions League victory over Qarabag in midweek, this was an emphatic return to successful methods for Arne Slot’s facet within the Premier League.