Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 on Monday evening in a game which felt like everything was against them.
The Magpies put in one of their best performances in recent memory, and if they had Alexander Isak leading their attacking line, they’d have likely triumphed and brought all three points home themselves.
Instead, Anthony Gordon decided to get himself red-carded and, even though Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula both bagged for Eddie Howe’s men, it wasn’t enough for them to take anything from the game.
Although there were moments when Liverpool felt like they were on top, the vast majority of the game was dominated by Newcastle.
Arne Slot looks on from the bench during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
As mentioned, however, that didn’t stop some of Liverpool’s first-team squad from leaving their mark on the game.
Chris Sutton lauds ‘ruthless’ Hugo Ekitike after Liverpool v Newcastle game
Going into the second half, Liverpool had just gained the lead thanks to a rather impressive strike from Ryan Gravenberch, which clipped the post and snuck past Nick Pope.
Liverpool’s second, however, was a touch of class from newbie, Hugo Ekitike.
The Frenchman was brought in during the summer transfer window as a direct replacement for Darwin Nunez, who chose to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
And, less than a minute into the second half, Ekitike added yet another goal to his Liverpool tally and sent the Reds 2-0 up.
And, while live on Sky Sports, Chris Sutton gave his thoughts on the Frenchman’s strike.
“He’s absolutely ruthless, Ekitike,” he said.
“He runs from one end of the pitch to the other, Ekitike involved, ball out there to Gakpo, we know he likes to get a shot off and then a little poke from Ekitike who just picks his spot there.”
Liverpool may not actually need Alexander Isak if Hugo Ekitike’s form carries on like this
One of the main reasons why Newcastle were likely playing with so much determination was due to the transfer saga that has surrounded Isak this summer.
The striker has been Liverpool’s dream target for as long as many can remember, and although there’s no denying that he’d improve the Reds’ attacking ranks, it doesn’t feel like they really need him.
Ekitike has been in fine form since his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, as he’s managed to score three goals already.
He’s always finding himself in goal-scoring positions, and when there isn’t a chance to get set up by one of his teammates, he’ll often create something out of nothing.
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James' Park
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Although Slot has said Ekitike could play on the left wing if needed, it’s evident that he’d perform much better in the number nine.
Of course, only time will tell what the future has in store, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen.
That is, especially now that the game between Liverpool and Newcastle is out of the way.