Eddie Howe found himself in an uncomfortable position at Anfield, surrounded by striking talent yet ultimately undone by the one player he desperately wanted but could not secure. Three forwards sat behind the Newcastle United manager in the stands, while on the pitch, Hugo Ekitike delivered a devastating performance that highlighted exactly why Howe had tried to sign him on two separate occasions.
Howe's Prophetic Praise Comes Back to Haunt Him
Speaking just days before the match, Howe had been effusive in his admiration for the French striker. 'I've tried to sign him twice,' the Newcastle boss revealed. 'He has got a bit of everything. He has great movement, can score with both feet and dribbles really well.' These words would prove painfully prophetic as Ekitike turned the game decisively in Liverpool's favour.
A Three-Mute Masterclass Changes Everything
For the opening period, Newcastle had been the superior side, taking a deserved lead through Anthony Gordon's 36th-minute strike. The visitors' game plan appeared to be working perfectly, with Gordon deployed as an unconventional centre-forward ahead of summer signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Then came Ekitike's intervention. In a devastating three-minute spell before half-time, the French international scored twice to completely transform the match. His first came from close range after Florian Wirtz's determined run and cut-back, while his second demonstrated clinical finishing from what appeared to be a narrow angle.
The psychological impact was immediate and profound. Anfield transformed from a stadium of nervous groans to one chanting Ekitike's name, while Newcastle's early confidence evaporated completely.
Summer Transfer Decisions Under Scrutiny
The match highlighted the contrasting transfer approaches of both clubs. Newcastle had spent the majority of their £125 million Alexander Isak windfall on Woltemade and Wissa, both of whom were left on the bench for this crucial encounter. Liverpool, meanwhile, had secured Ekitike as part of their summer rebuild following Isak's departure to Merseyside.
Howe had identified Ekitike as Isak's ideal replacement six weeks before the Swedish striker eventually joined Liverpool, but ultimately missed out on his primary target. The Frenchman's performance at Anfield served as a painful reminder of what might have been for the Newcastle manager.
Wirtz Adds Gloss to Liverpool's Victory
While Ekitike stole the headlines, Florian Wirtz continued his impressive adaptation to English football with another influential display. The German international provided the assist for Ekitike's equaliser before scoring Liverpool's third goal in the 67th minute, taking his tally to six goals in ten matches since arriving at Anfield.
The victory represented Liverpool's first comeback win from a losing position this season, providing manager Arne Slot with evidence that his summer signings are beginning to gel effectively. For Newcastle, it extended their miserable league record at Anfield, where they haven't won since 1994.
Emotional Conclusion for Konate
The match concluded with an emotional moment for Ibrahima Konate, who scored Liverpool's fourth goal in stoppage time during his first appearance since the death of his father. The defender's tearful celebration provided a poignant end to an afternoon that had begun with Newcastle optimism but finished with Liverpool dominance.
For Eddie Howe, the performance of Hugo Ekitike served as a stark reminder of the fine margins in football management and transfer strategy. The player he had pursued so diligently had now delivered a performance that effectively ended Newcastle's resistance and highlighted the quality gap between aspiration and achievement at the highest level.
