Ekitike ignites Anfield comeback as Liverpool rethink Isak role
Hugo Ekitike delivered a statement performance at Anfield as Liverpool came from behind to beat Newcastle, scoring twice to underline his growing importance and raise fresh questions about the attacking pecking order when Alexander Isak returns from injury.
The 23 year old France forward turned the contest on its head after Liverpool had fallen behind, finishing with composure and flair to seal the points. His display also showcased an increasingly sharp understanding with Florian Wirtz, another of the club’s high profile summer arrivals.
The result extended Ekitike’s fine run this season. He now has 15 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth an initial £69m. Wirtz, signed for £116m from Bayer Leverkusen, was central to much of Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.
The moment matters for Liverpool because of what comes next. Isak, the £125m British record signing from Newcastle, has been sidelined since December with a broken leg. Before his injury, the Sweden international had scored three times in 16 outings, but his place looks less secure as Liverpool’s new attacking partnerships flourish.
Anfield provided the perfect stage. The home crowd responded to an early setback with intensity, urging Liverpool forward as Wirtz and Ekitike repeatedly found pockets of space between Newcastle’s lines. The tempo increased as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser.
Newcastle threatened on the break and tested Liverpool’s back line, but the hosts gradually took control of possession. Key moments came in midfield where Liverpool began to win second balls and recycle attacks quickly, pinning the visitors deeper.
Ekitike’s first goal brought Liverpool level, a calm finish after clever movement had pulled defenders out of shape. His second was the highlight, a sharp, instinctive toe poke from close range that demonstrated his natural feel for scoring.
After the interval, Liverpool continued to press, managing the game with authority while limiting Newcastle’s opportunities. Tactical adjustments helped maintain control, with Wirtz drifting into central areas to link play and slow any potential Newcastle momentum.
Late on, Newcastle searched for a route back into the match, but Liverpool remained composed. The atmosphere tightened as the clock ran down, yet Ekitike’s presence up front kept the visitors wary of further punishment.
For Liverpool, the win reinforces momentum and deepens an intriguing selection debate ahead of Isak’s return. For Ekitike, it was another decisive step in establishing himself as a central figure in a forward line that is rapidly taking shape.