Liverpool's third win on the bounce didn't satisfy Hugo Ekitike's drive for excellence
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle
Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah are at vastly different stages of their Liverpool careers(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool may have reversed their league fortunes but Mohamed Salah's struggles persist. The Reds secured a commanding 5-2 triumph over West Ham United on Saturday, marking their third consecutive Premier League victory - the first time they've managed such a run since December.
It was also the first occasion they've netted five goals in a league fixture since securing the title last term with a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Whilst it wasn't a flawless display from Arne Slot's side, it represented crucial three points that bolstered their ambitions for Champions League qualification.
Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo rediscovered their scoring touch, yet the extended goal drought for Liverpool's Egyptian King remains unbroken. It was another disappointing outing for Salah, who has now netted 25 goals fewer than he managed throughout last season's entire league campaign.
Further harsh criticism has been directed towards him, while we also examine the striking comments Ekitike delivered following Saturday's victory that drew them to within three points of Aston Villa.
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Ekitike admission
The Frenchman is clearly not content with his achievements. Becoming the first Liverpool player since Luis Suarez to net 11 league goals in their debut full campaign at the club isn't sufficient to satisfy him.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United
Ekitike has high standards(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The 23-year-old netted once and provided two assists in Saturday's triumph, but reaching a total of 16 goals and six assists in all competitions falls short of expectations, according to the forward himself.
Speaking to LFCTV, Ekitike confessed: "To be honest, I could score more. I'm not that happy. But it's not even goals, it's assists as well. Today I think I gave one or two assists, I don't remember.
"As long as I can help the team and be involved, that's the most important. I want to win, so personally I'm happy, but I'm looking forward to the upcoming games."
Harsh Salah assessment
Amidst Liverpool's difficulties this campaign, the significant decline in Salah's performances has impacted the club's capacity to recapture the winning mentality they displayed last season. With only four goals and six assists registered in the Premier League, the 33-year-old appears a pale imitation of his previous self.
Mohamed Salah claps the fans
Salah has struggled heavily this season(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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On top of an underwhelming display in the Reds' 5-2 triumph over West Ham, Salah's failure to find the net represented 10 consecutive league matches without a goal for the Egyptian - the first occasion the winger has endured such a barren spell at the club.
His lacklustre performances have led to many speculating whether his days at the elite level might be drawing to a close, with former Liverpool winger Mark Kennedy going as far as harshly labelling him "yesterday's man."
Speaking on talkSPORT ahead of Liverpool's triumph, the Irishman stated: "I am going to be controversial here. When I look at Salah's stats last year, they're absolutely phenomenal. But every time I watch Liverpool, I never liked Salah. I think his ball retention is really, really poor.
"He gives up a lot of possession, and I've been really vocal when I speak to people about Salah this year. I am a Liverpool fan, I am a big fan of Salah, I think he's amazing, but I think he's yesterday's man. I am not surprised by his performances this year because I've actually been saying it for a long time."
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