It was an illustration of why Newcastle wanted to sign Hugo Ekitike. But rather than congratulating themselves on their ability to spot a player, they were left rueing the one who got away. This was the eviscerating evidence of why they saw him as Alexander Isak’s replacement and why, at times this season, Liverpool have had a potent striker even when the £125m man has been injured or ineffective.
As Ekitike’s name rang around Anfield, Newcastle got an unwanted reminder of what had attracted them. Twice, really, given they first targeted him when he instead joined Paris Saint-Germain and then bid for him again before Liverpool pounced. “Ekitike is an outstanding player,” said Eddie Howe. He just wishes he could have shown it in a Newcastle shirt.
