Hugo Ekitike has shut down any notion that he committed a foul before scoring against Tottenham, saying he “judged the cross” better than Cristian Romero.
The Frenchman continued his inspired form in Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Tottenham, making it five goals in his last three Premier League matches.
Hugo Ekitike‘s Spurs interview: A quick look
• Foul claims dismissed: Ekitike has hit back at Thomas Frank’s complaints, insisting he simply “judged the cross better” than Cristian Romero for his goal.
• Incredible streak: The Frenchman is in clinical form, netting five goals in his last three Premier League matches and 11 overall since his summer move.
• League-leading impact: No summer signing has recorded more Premier League goal contributions (nine) this season than the former Eintracht Frankfurt man.
• Inspired addition: Whilst other big-money arrivals have struggled, the 23-year-old is being hailed as the bargain of the season following his standout display in north London.
Spurs manager Thomas Frank complained that Romero wouldn’t have got sent off late on if referee John Brooks “did his job” properly, making a “massive mistake” by not penalising Ekitike for “two hands” on the back.
But the Reds striker was having none of that, telling Match of the Day that he simply got the better of Romero when heading Liverpool into a 2-0 lead, rather than fouling him.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike scores the second goal with a header during the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It’s part for the game. He is a defender, I’m a striker,” Ekitike said.
“I judged the cross better than he did, and I took the ball. That is why I scored.
“That is his opinion, my opinion is that it was a great cross, a lucky header, but I did the right thing.”
Ekitike also assessed an important win for Liverpool, who haven’t lost since the 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven on November 26.
“It wasn’t our best game, a difficult game, but we had the control,” he added.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates with team-mate Curtis Jones after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It was difficult in the last part of the second half because they pushed and they scored. We kept the result, and we go back to Liverpool with the win, that is the most important thing.
“It is never easier [to play against 10]. They play at home, the fans push them, and they have more energy, more than at the start.
“That makes it more difficult, so you have to play smart and to fight for every ball.
“The best feeling as a striker. You need goals. The most important is the win and to play with confidence, and obviously, if I can help with goals.
“The first goal I helped with the pass before the assist, so I try to help the team the best as I can, and that’s the most important.”
Ekitike among Premier League’s best summer signings
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's goalscorer Hugo Ekitike celebrates after the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ekitike has been a revelation for Liverpool since his summer arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances.
In fact, no new signing in the Premier League has more goal contributions (nine) this season, further highlighting the impact he has made.
While Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak haven’t yet justified their vast price tags, Ekitike has flown out of the traps and looks like an inspired addition.
The 23-year-old seemingly went under the radar as an option for Liverpool’s rivals, with Arsenal and Man United signing Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, respectively.
It allowed the Reds to swoop in and the current evidence suggests they have signed a gem of a striker who should only get better.
Ekitike has a great personality to boot, including a much-loved ‘secret’ second Instagram account, making him one of the most popular players at Anfield.