You could say Hugo Ekitiké was the one who got away from Newcastle last summer, except there were so many. The Liverpool striker gave Eddie Howe further cause for regret with a gamechanging, match-winning performance at Anfield, however, as Arne Slot’s side found the consistency that has eluded them too often this season to record a second impressive win in succession.
Ekitiké struck twice against the club that had agreed a deal to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt before Liverpool swept in. Their initial outlay of £69m, rising to £79m, is proving money very well spent. Newcastle were the dominant force before Ekitiké’s swift brace transformed the contest. Florian Wirtz added a third in the second half before Ibrahima Konaté, playing for the first time since the death of his father, capitalised on a Nick Pope error to complete an important victory. Konaté was understandably in tears as the moment sunk in.
Liverpool reaction
Ibrahima Konate
I don’t have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family. This is part of life – it’s very hard to accept but we have no choice to do it.
The manager told me to take my time, that I didn’t have to rush back, but we had some injuries and I thought it was important for me to come back and help the team. And I think this is what I did today, with the team and with an unbelievable atmosphere.
I’m very happy for him [Florian Wirtz] – he’s showing the world his quality. He hasn’t reached his peak right now but this will come very soon. One goal and one assist, yeah? I know what you said in pre-season what you were going to do [smiles at Wirtz]. If you reach that, oh my god it’s crazy!
Florian Wirtz
I’m very happy. I love to score, to assist and just to help the team to win.
[On Hugo Ekitike] Unbelievable. It’s fun to play with him on the pitch; I was happy to assist him after many assists from him to me.
