Liverpool have not been starting games well this season, but they flew out of the gates against West Ham.
So many of our results this season have been decided in the final moments.
Liverpool’s late show has saved Arne Slot at times, with his side scoring the most goals in the Premier League after the 75th minute.
Who should be Liverpool’s no.10 vs West Ham? Mac Allister over Szoboszlai? 🤔
Alexis Mac Allister during Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League
Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Against West Ham, it was refreshing to see the Reds get ahead early, and it’s all thanks to Hugo Ekitike.
Hugo Ekitike the first early Liverpool scorer since… Ekitike
Before Saturday’s clash at Anfield, Liverpool had scored in the opening 20 minutes just twice.
First, Ryan Gravenberch’s 10th-minute strike against Everton back in September. And then a goal within the first minute against Brighton before Christmas, courtesy of Ekitike.
Hugo Ekitike scores during Liverpool's Premier League match against Brighton at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
It has been a glaring issue all season, but the Frenchman is bucking the trend. His opener against West Ham came within five minutes, with virtually his first touch of the game.
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Ekitike is a quality striker. That is clearer with each goal he scores for the Reds. He has the potential to become the tone-setter in Liverpool’s front line by continuing this habit.
Martin Keown praises Ekitike after goal vs West Ham
The finish itself was quality, with Ekitike giving the defenders no time to close him down before rifling it through the keeper’s legs on the volley.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told BBC Sport after the goal: Hugo Ekitike is a top striker, there’s no doubt about that.
“They spent good money on [Alexander] Isak but this fella has turned up just in the nick of time for them.”
Liverpool are going to have to change this to make it to the UCL quarter-finals…
Give us your early predictions for the last-16 clash with Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen warms up for Galatasaray (Credit: Getty Images/Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates
Liverpool will be thanking their lucky stars that Ekitike was signed in the summer. They could have been in a much more difficult position had they been banking on Isak to occupy the role by himself.
Isak will return for Liverpool in the coming weeks. That shouldn’t mean Ekitike gets a reduced role, especially if he keeps driving his team to a strong start.
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