Liverpool's Fightback Victory: Ekitike & Wirtz Shine Against Newcastle

Liverpool Conquer Newcastle in Thrilling 4-1 Premier League Clash

Liverpool secured a vital victory against Newcastle United on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, winning 4-1 in a captivating Premier League encounter. The result propels Arne Slot's side to fifth in the table, leapfrogging Manchester United. The match showcased the brilliance of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, who spearheaded a remarkable comeback after an early setback.

Early Setback and Newcastle's Strike

Newcastle started brightly, with Anthony Gordon breaking the deadlock early on, marking his first goal from open play in over a year. This early goal put Liverpool under pressure, but the Reds demonstrated resilience and determination to respond.

Ekitike and Wirtz Spark the Revival

The turning point arrived just before halftime when Florian Wirtz, with a mesmerizing dribble, set up Hugo Ekitike for the equalizer. Less than two minutes later, Ekitike struck again, firing across Nick Pope to put Liverpool ahead. The dynamic duo, now boasting six goals combined in all competitions, proved too much for the Newcastle defense.

Key Performances: Ekitike & Wirtz

Hugo Ekitike delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice and showcasing his clinical finishing. His tally for the season now stands at 10 Premier League goals and 15 across all competitions. Florian Wirtz continued his impressive form, providing crucial assists and demonstrating his Premier League suitability. His partnership with Mohamed Salah was a constant threat to the Newcastle backline.

Second-Half Dominance and Konate's Emotional Goal

After a taxing Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle visibly ran out of steam. Wirtz and Salah combined beautifully for a well-worked third goal, effectively sealing the victory. The moment was further amplified by Ibrahima Konate's late goal, a poignant tribute to his recently deceased father, marking his return to the starting XI after three games. Konate's performance was a testament to his strength and character.

Tactical Analysis and Team Ratings

• Liverpool: Alisson (7), Szoboszlai (7), Konate (8), Van Dijk (7), Kerkez (6), Gravenberch (6), Mac Allister (6), Salah (5), Wirtz (8), Gakpo (6), Ekitike (8).
• Newcastle: Pope (6), Hall (7), Burn (5), Thiaw (5), Trippier (6), Ramsey (5), Tonali (5), Willock (6), Barnes (6), Gordon (6), Elanga (5).

Liverpool's fluidity and attacking pace were key to their success, contrasting with Newcastle's struggles on the road. The hosts' ability to capitalize on opportunities, evidenced by their xG value of just 0.92 resulting in four goals, highlighted their clinical finishing.

Slot and Howe's Post-Match Comments

Arne Slot: “Proud. In the first half-hour it was a difficult game. There is a lot to be said about the noise around the club...Ten goals in two games [including a 6-0 win over Qarabag] and one goal conceded.”

Eddie Howe: “We're really disappointed. 4-1 is hard on us...Our athleticism was strong. Set plays we maybe didn't execute as well as we could have done.”

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Liverpool and Newcastle?

Liverpool will be looking to build on this momentum as they enter a defining period of the season. Newcastle, meanwhile, face a challenge to address their ongoing issues with away form. For more information on upcoming Premier League fixtures, visit https://aisoft.app/betting.

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