Eddie Howe watched on as Liverpool came from 1-0 down to beat his Newcastle United side 4-1.
Liverpool have finally won a Premier League match in 2026, and what a way to do it.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring before Hugo Ekitike bagged a brace to put the hosts in front before the break.
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Florian Wirtz made it 3-1, with Ibrahima Konate’s late strike the icing on the cake in what was a fantastic evening for the Merseyside outfit.
Livepool scored four brilliant goals against Newcastle, but which was your favourite?
Liverpool v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Eddie Howe praises Hugo Ekitike after Liverpool beat Newcastle
A number of players stood out on the night, not least Wirtz, who now has five goals in his last six Anfield appearances.
However, as expected, Howe has opted to single out Ekitike for praise post-match.
The manager was asked about Newcastle’s issues during the 4-1 defeat when speaking live on TNT Sports post-match.
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And he was quick to say that the Liverpool striker needs credit for the problems he caused the Magpies’ backline.
He said: “I think you’ve got to give Hugo Ekitike a lot of credit, especially the second goal. I thought it was an unbelievable run and finish.”
PROVE ME WRONG: Hugo Ekitike WILL have a better Liverpool career than Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez prior to Nashville SC v Inter Miami CF - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag at Anfield.
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Florian Wirtz agrees with Eddie Howe’s Hugo Ekitike verdict
The Frenchman has also been praised heavily by Wirtz post-match.
The 22-year-old knows how good Ekitike is, with the duo already combining for six goals as Liverpool players this season.
And after they once again linked up on January 31, the German has called the 23-year-old ‘unbelievable’.
He said: “He [Ekitike] is just unbelievable. You can see him today again two fantastic goals, and it is just fun to play with him on the pitch. Happy I could assist him again today after many assists from him to me.”
On his own form, Wirtz stated: “I want to continue like that because it makes you happy and gives you more confidence. When you can help the team win it is always good.”
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