Ekitike’s Haunting Performance Leaves Newcastle Fans Craving

At Anfield, a hush fell over the crowd as Anthony Gordon defiantly gestured towards the Kop, pointing to his ear.

The Newcastle United forward had just given his team the lead against Liverpool with a well-executed finish in the 36th minute.

As the clock ticked away, questions arose: Would Liverpool succumb to a home defeat against the visitors for the first time since 1994? Would the champions’ winless streak in the Premier League extend to six matches?

Not if Hugo Ekitike had anything to say about it.

The French striker equalized with a skillful poacher’s goal, then quickly put his side ahead with another strike before the half concluded, much to the delight of manager Arne Slot.

“The fans adore him,” Slot remarked following his team’s commanding 4-1 victory. “From the outset, it was evident how exceptional he is, his speed is remarkable.”

Newcastle’s scouting team had previously witnessed these types of goals, having attempted to recruit Ekitike, 23, on three occasions, including last summer.

Even head coach Eddie Howe acknowledged the impact of the player on the opposing side.

“We must recognize the talent against us while also admitting we could have defended better,” he stated. “Ekitike is a phenomenal player, and he demonstrated that today. He possesses a bit of everything, and that’s his greatest advantage. He’s tall, fast, and a clinical finisher.”

There’s no denying Ekitike’s finishing ability.

He has already netted 15 goals for Liverpool, a fact that likely doesn’t surprise Newcastle, who believed the striker would excel in the Premier League.

When Newcastle first sought to sign Ekitike from Reims in 2022, he was just 19, relatively unknown in England.

While he held a great deal of respect for the Magpies, he felt it wasn’t the right moment to make a mid-season switch.

However, when Newcastle made another attempt a few months later, he chose to join Paris St-Germain, later transferring to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Newcastle hoped for success on their third attempt last summer, but it was Liverpool that secured his signature, along with Alexander Isak from the Magpies, much to the dismay of club icon Shay Given.

“It pains me from a Newcastle perspective,” the former goalkeeper expressed on Match of the Day. “Ekitike could have been wearing black and white. He’s exceptional at stretching defenses. Of all the signings Liverpool made this summer, he has truly stood out.”

On this particular night, Ekitike made history by becoming the youngest player to achieve double figures for Liverpool in a league season since Michael Owen during the 2000-01 campaign.

His performance drew comparisons to another prolific striker from the club’s history—Fernando Torres.

Ekitike’s Partnership with Wirtz Shines Bright

The Frenchman’s second goal epitomized his talent and bore a striking resemblance to Torres’ inaugural goal for Liverpool against Chelsea in 2007.

Ekitike seized a pass from Milos Kerkez down the left flank, maneuvered past Malick Thiaw, and finished with precision.

This similarity did not escape the attention of Steven Gerrard, who assisted Torres during that memorable goal.

“It’s all about Hugo Ekitike exploiting the channels,” he commented to TNT Sports. “He has that Torres-like quality. He gets the ball out of his feet, and that toe-poke… every time I watch him, I’m reminded of Torres.”

Gerrard developed a lethal partnership with Torres between 2007 and 2011, and Ekitike is starting to establish a similar connection with Florian Wirtz.

The two have forged a friendship off the pitch, which is evident in their on-field chemistry, having combined for six goals across all competitions, more than any other duo in the Premier League.

“Hugo has been scoring consistently from the beginning of the season, and Florian has been instrumental in creating opportunities for his teammates, though he’s been a bit unlucky with misses,” Slot noted.

“It hasn’t always been feasible for them to play together every three days. What I mean is their off-the-ball movements and match fitness—being able to perform at peak intensity regularly.

They are gradually getting there, and it’s no surprise their statistics are improving.”