Liverpool produced a breathtaking turnaround before the interval at Anfield, as Hugo Ekitike struck twice in the space of just two minutes to send the Reds into the break with a 2-1 advantage over Newcastle United in a match that suddenly burst into life.
For much of the first half, there was a sense of irritation among the home supporters, with Liverpool dominating possession but struggling to turn their control into clear chances. That frustration deepened in the 36th minute when former Everton winger Anthony Gordon capitalised on a loose ball inside the box, reacting quickest to poke the ball beyond Alisson Becker and give Newcastle a surprise lead against the run of play.
However, what followed completely transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Liverpool went from trailing to leading in the blink of an eye, thanks to a devastating double from Ekitike between the 41st and 43rd minutes. The French forward, who previously revealed that he nearly joined Newcastle before opting for a move to Merseyside last summer, came back to haunt the Magpies in ruthless fashion.
The equaliser was a moment of pure class, sparked by the brilliance of Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker showcased his exceptional close control by weaving his way past three Newcastle defenders in a tight area, maintaining balance and composure before sliding a perfectly weighted pass across the face of goal. Ekitike timed his run to perfection and met the delivery first time, calmly firing past Nick Pope to restore parity for Liverpool.
Before Newcastle had a chance to regroup, Liverpool struck again. Just two minutes later, Ekitike found himself racing through on goal and showed remarkable confidence and technique to produce an emphatic finish, completing the turnaround and putting Arne Slot’s side firmly in front heading into half-time.
The growing understanding between Wirtz and Ekitike continues to be one of Liverpool’s biggest strengths this season. In recent weeks, Ekitike had jokingly suggested that after setting up several of Wirtz’s early goals for the club, it was time for the German to return the favour. That wish was granted in style, as the pair once again combined to devastating effect.
This latest goal contribution marked the seventh time the duo have linked up directly for a goal this campaign, with six of those combinations coming since Christmas. It is clear evidence of their rapidly developing chemistry and growing influence within the team.
Both of Ekitike’s finishes were executed with composure and quality, while Wirtz’s creativity and skill in the build-up to the equaliser proved far too much for Newcastle’s defence to handle. In the space of little more than a minute and a half, Liverpool shifted from a tense, uneasy situation to one filled with noise, belief, and momentum.
Signed for a combined fee approaching £200 million last summer, Ekitike and Wirtz arrived with enormous expectations. Week by week, they are not only meeting those expectations but justifying every penny spent, emerging as the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attacking play and a partnership capable of deciding games in moments of pure brilliance.
