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 team-mate Mohamed Salah
Image: Goalscorer Florian Wirtz celebrates with team-mate 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 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.
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