Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Newcastle United lost 4-1 to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday night.
Hugo Ekitike hailed the ball boy as his man of the match after Liverpool thrashed Newcastle United at Anfield.
Despite taking a first-half lead through Anthony Gordon, the Magpies soon surrendered as a brace from Ekitike helped earn Liverpool a 4-1 win. His quick-fire double spun the game on its head shortly before the break.
It was a bitter pill for Newcastle fans to swallow as their previous transfer interest is well documented. Toon chiefs tried three times to sign Ekitike before his eventual summer switch to Merseyside.
Hugo Ekitike praises ball boy
Speaking post-match, Ekitike gave a shout out to the ball boy for allowing Alisson to break quickly in the build-up to the second goal. He said: "Shout out to the ball boy. He is the man of the match. We need this kind of action (getting the ball back quickly). We play with the fans and we play with everybody, the ball boys included.
"I want to score loads of goals and I want to be the top scorer of the club but I just want to be involved in the team. I just like football. If I give an assist, I don't mind. Even though it wasn't the best opponent (Qarabag) we have had, because I would say it was a big win and easy win, I think it is nice to give the confidence to the players."
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Florian Wirtz praise
Ekitike also praised Florian Wirtz, who assisted the first before scoring himself in the second half. He added: "He is a great player and it is easy for me to play with him. I like to create play and link up. I can do everything with him as a player. I know that I can create space, and he will find me, so it is just fun to play with him."
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