Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool produced one of their most convincing performances of the season to come from behind to beat Newcastle 4-1, rising above Manchester United into fifth in the Premier League table.
Arne Slot’s side have been criticised for a lack of flair in recent weeks but there was no shortage of style in their first league win of 2026, scoring more than two goals at Anfield for the first time since opening night against Bournemouth.
Ekitike was the chief tormentor, aided by Florian Wirtz, now the Premier League’s most prolific duo having combined for six goals in all competitions. Liverpool had to overcome an early setback after Anthony Gordon scored from open play for the first time in a year, but the remainder of the game was dictated by the dynamism of the hosts’ attacking quality.
Newcastle, missing the instrumental Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfield, failed to cope with the tempo and were powerless to stop Wirtz’ mazy dribble to tee up Ekitike for the leveller just before half-time. Less than two minutes later the 23-year-old had collected Milos Kerkez’ ball down the line and was firing across Nick Pope.
Goalscorer Florian Wirtz celebrates with provider Mohamed Salah
After a taxing midweek trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Newcastle had run out of steam. Wirtz combined with Mohamed Salah for a well-worked third to put the game to bed before Ibrahima Konate scored an emotional fourth late on, returning to the starting XI for the first time in three games after the sad passing of his father.
Transformed in confidence, Liverpool leapfrog Manchester United in the table and move within a point of Chelsea in fourth – the first time they have staged a comeback win since April. Eddie Howe’s side, meanwhile, drop to a disappointing 10th as troubles on the road continue.
Are vintage Liverpool back?
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
It’s been hard to pinpoint what ‘vintage Liverpool’ looks like this season, such has been the pretence. Predominantly instability and inconsistency. But this was a timely reminder of what Arne Slot’s side are capable of in free flow. Finally Liverpool resemble something vaguely recognisable, willing to attack at pace and with risk. Fewer shackles.
So much of that threat factor has been curtailed in recent months. Slot’s attempt at control had stripped away a lot of originality, albeit produced a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions – that is until Bournemouth crushed the rouse in a last-gasp 3-2 win last Saturday.
Liverpool had to find the courage to begin playing with fluidity again, especially at Anfield, or risk losing their identity entirely. They struck the perfect balance against Newcastle despite Eddie Howe’s plot to punish with speed. After Anthony Gordon’s excellently-taken opener they were forced to bend to Liverpool’s will and subject to some elite-level finishing. The hosts scored four from an xG value of just 0.92.
Hugo Ekitike was electric against the side he nearly joined in the summer as Florian Wirtz continued to mock those who ever doubted his Premier League suitability. Perhaps it’s too early to declare ‘Liverpool are back’, but signs of uptick are obvious. Slot will hope this confidence sticks as they enter a defining period of the season.
Hugo Ekitike has scored 10 Premier League goals this season – and 15 in all comps
Slot: We had to block outside noise
Arne Slot speaking to TNT Sports:
“Proud. In the first half-hour it was a difficult game. There is a lot to be said about the noise around the club. Liverpool fans showed us what we mean by noise. The players showed what we’re wanting to show and the fans were so loud. The second half we had more than enough chances to go 3-1 earlier, but 4-1 is a great result for us.
“What I asked for after Bournemouth was that we improve in both boxes. Ten goals in two games [including a 6-0 win over Qarabag] and one goal conceded. “Ibou [Konate] said to me earlier in the week he wanted to come back quicker than planned to help the team, and that’s what he did today, not only because of his goal but he had a great performance as well.”
Howe: Scoreline harsh on us
Eddie Howe speaking to TNT Sports:
“We’re really disappointed. 4-1 is hard on us. We scored a great goal and started really well, but I wouldn’t expect us to concede these type of goals. Got to give Hugo Ekitike credit, but our organisation is usually good, we haven’t covered ourselves in glory. Key moments in the game let us down and we’re kicking ourselves.
“Our athleticism was strong. Set plays we maybe didn’t execute as well as we could have done. 4-1 looks comfortable and I don’t think it was for Liverpool.”
Speaking about away form, he added: “It’s been a problem all season. We can’t hide from that. Ideally we would have played differently but we had limited choice because of injuries. We saw positive signs that could help us in the future.”
