Hugo Ekitike’s explosive double swung a 4-1 Anfield win for Liverpool, underlining his goalscoring form. Betting angle: punters should favour Liverpool to win and both teams to score, consider Liverpool -1 Asian handicap and an anytime scorer wager on Ekitike given Newcastle’s defensive lapses and Liverpool’s renewed attacking momentum.
Liverpool 4 Newcastle 1 — Ekitike’s brace turns the tide at Anfield
Liverpool overturned an early setback to dominate Newcastle, powered by Hugo Ekitike’s two rapid goals and strong second-half finishes from Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté. The victory lifts Liverpool back into the top-five conversation and gives manager Arne Slot crucial breathing space after a tricky run of domestic results.
Match summary
Liverpool trailed early when Anthony Gordon capitalised on a swift Newcastle move, but the game flipped in quick succession just before half-time. Ekitike first equalised with a composed finish from close range and then fired Liverpool ahead two minutes later with a toe-poke into the corner. Wirtz sealed the comeback in the second half with a smart team build-up before Konaté added a late fourth from a set-piece scramble.
Key moments
- 36' Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for Newcastle after a sharp team move.
- 41' Hugo Ekitike drove in the equaliser following good combination play.
- 45+2' Ekitike struck again to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead just before half-time.
- 69' Florian Wirtz extended Liverpool’s lead after a quick passing move involving Mohamed Salah and Szoboszlai.
- 90+5' Ibrahima Konaté finished late to make it 4-1.
Tactical analysis
Newcastle began aggressively, using pace on the flanks and quick counters to trouble Liverpool’s backline.
Liverpool’s response featured incisive transitions: long passes and controlled pressing created space for Ekitike and Wirtz to exploit.
Malick Thiaw’s defensive lapses were costly, giving Ekitike room to accelerate into openings.
Slot’s side defended more coherently after half-time, but the damage was already done.
Player performances
- Hugo Ekitiké: The match-winner. Two clinical goals and constant threat; nearly completed a hat-trick.
- Florian Wirtz: Creative fulcrum, provided momentum and the third goal.
- Ibrahima Konaté: Strong defensive presence and a late goal with emotional significance.
- Anthony Gordon: Impressive opener and energetic work, but a target of boos at Anfield.
Manager reactions and post-match notes
Eddie Howe lamented the manner of the goals conceded, citing individual errors and injury-enforced selection issues.
Arne Slot praised the atmosphere and the players’ response, noting defensive improvements across recent matches.
Squad news: Alexander Isak remains sidelined, while Konaté returned to boost Liverpool’s options.
Betting and fantasy implications
- Match markets: Liverpool to win and both teams to score looks favoured after this result; Newcastle’s vulnerability on counters suggests Liverpool -1 (Asian handicap) as a sensible selection when they’re at full strength.
- Player markets: Ekitike presents strong value for anytime scorer and first/last scorer markets given his sudden impact. Wirtz and Salah remain prime assists/goal contributors in fantasy setups.
- Defensive markets: Newcastle’s mistakes indicate higher probability for next-match goals conceded; consider backing over 2.5 goals in similar fixtures.
What this means for the table
The victory pushes Liverpool upward in the Premier League standings, reigniting top-four hopes and buying the manager time. Newcastle’s away frustrations continue, and they must shore up defensive errors to salvage their season objectives.
Looking ahead
Liverpool will look to build on this attacking form in upcoming fixtures, while Newcastle must address structural defensive frailties and injury management if they are to recover momentum on the road.
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