Liverpool showed their quality as they battled from behind to deliver a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike was at the double while Florian Wirtz continued his rampant form in the final third with his latest goal and Ibrahima Konate netted in stoppage-time as the Reds moved up to fifth in the Premier League table.
Arne Slot’s side were put under pressure for much of the first half, but when they found their rhythm, they were far too good for the Magpies.
Newcastle were much the better side for the majority of the first half as they frustrated Liverpool. The Magpies went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when Harvey Barnes’ free-kick hit the post.
But the visitors did take the lead 10 minutes later when Anthony Gordon was afforded too much space at the far post and fired home. Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan who came through Everton’s academy, almost had a second on 39 minutes when his angled effort was saved by Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Liverpool were dormant - but soon sparked into life. In the 41st minute, Wirtz danced his way to the byline and cut a ball back for Ekiitke to prod home.
And just two minutes later, against the run of play, the Reds were ahead. Milos Kerkez spotted the early run of Ekitike, who cut inside before applying a clever finish into the far corner.
Ekitike almost had a hat-trick before the break when he was left in acres of space at a corner but headed well off target. Then five minutes into the second half, Ekitike had another chance to take home the match ball when he harried Dan Burn into losing the ball but the France international sent his effort well wide.
Newcastle threatened to restore parity through Barnes’ powerful effort but Alisson made a fine reaction stop. And in the 67th minute, Slot’s men increased their advantage when Mo Salah pulled a pass to Wirtz, who nestled a shot into the far corner.
Liverpool almost had a fourth with 21 minutes remaining when Salah burst through on goal but he poked into the side netting. There were not too many chances after that, although it was the Reds home continued to be in the ascendancy. But in stoppage-time, there was to be more to celebrate - with Konate getting in on the act. The defender, returning to the team after the passing of his father, reacted first to a loose ball and prodded home.
It was a performance that displayed all of Liverpool’s prowess and why the inconsistent form has been so frustrated. Now Slot must ensure that this is not the latest false dawn.
Liverpool player ratings vs Newcastle.
Little chance with Gordon's opener but made a fine save soon afterwards. Made a very good stop from Barnes to kee Liverpool ahead in the second period.
1. Alisson Becker - 7
Little chance with Gordon's opener but made a fine save soon afterwards. Made a very good stop from Barnes to kee Liverpool ahead in the second period. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Did what was needed defensively in the first half. Completely shackled Barnes in the second half, although should have done better with one shot that Newcastle keeper Nick Pope easily saved. Another gargantuan display.
2. Dominik Szoboszlai - 8
Did what was needed defensively in the first half. Completely shackled Barnes in the second half, although should have done better with one shot that Newcastle keeper Nick Pope easily saved. Another gargantuan display. | Getty Images
Had a good battle with Gordon throughout the first half. Absolutely imperious in the second half as he won everything that came his way. When he scored at the end, it was so richly deservedm especially given what he has been through of late.
3. Ibrahima Konate - 10
Had a good battle with Gordon throughout the first half. Absolutely imperious in the second half as he won everything that came his way. When he scored at the end, it was so richly deservedm especially given what he has been through of late. | Getty Images
Got in the way of everything in the first half. The same after the break.
4. Virgil van Dijk - 8
Got in the way of everything in the first half. The same after the break. | Getty Images