Image source: Liverpool fc
Anfield witnessed another statement night under the lights as a ruthless second-half display powered a 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle United. What began as a test of patience turned into a show of sharp finishing, smart movement, and growing belief, with Hugo Ekitike at the heart of it all. Two goals in two minutes flipped the game before halftime, setting the tone for a result that tightens the race for the Premier League’s top four.
This was not just about the scoreline. It was about response, control, and confidence. Falling behind did little to disrupt the rhythm, and by the final whistle, the home crowd had been treated to one of the most complete league performances of the season.
Fast tempo and early warning signs
From the opening exchanges, it was clear both sides wanted to play on the front foot. Transitions came thick and fast, with players committing forward and spaces opening up early. The atmosphere inside Anfield matched the tempo on the pitch, loud and restless as the hosts pushed Newcastle back in phases.
Cody Gakpo set the early tone with a powerful carry from deep, slicing into Newcastle territory after a clever turn inside his own half. Mohamed Salah soon followed with a threatening run in behind, only for Kieran Trippier to step across at the crucial moment.
Newcastle were not passive. They looked dangerous from set pieces and direct breaks, and midway through the half Harvey Barnes struck the post with a free kick that had Alisson beaten. It was a warning that the visitors were growing into the contest.
Newcastle strike first
The pressure told in the 36th minute. After a tackle by Alexis Mac Allister on Barnes, the ball broke kindly for Anthony Gordon inside the area. There was an element of luck in how it fell, but the finish was decisive. Gordon drove the ball low and hard into the corner, silencing Anfield and giving Newcastle a deserved lead based on their recent spell.
At that point, the game felt delicately balanced. Newcastle were compact, confident, and beginning to frustrate. The response over the next few minutes would define the night.
Two minutes that changed everything
The turnaround was swift and devastating. In the 41st minute, Liverpool found the equaliser through Hugo Ekitike, and it came from a moment of intelligence and understanding rather than brute force. Florian Wirtz glided into space in a crowded penalty area, drew defenders, and calmly cut the ball back. Ekitike arrived perfectly and struck first time, firm and precise.
Before Newcastle could regroup, the game was turned on its head. Just two minutes later, Ekitike struck again, this time creating the goal almost entirely on his own. Bursting down the inside-left channel with pace and strength, he brushed aside the challenge and toe-poked an audacious finish into the far corner. It was confidence in pure form and his 15th goal of the season.
From trailing to leading in the blink of an eye, the psychological swing was enormous. Anfield roared, Newcastle looked stunned, and the momentum had fully shifted by halftime.
Team selection and tactical balance
Arne Slot made two changes from the midweek Champions League win over Qarabag, bringing Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez into the starting lineup in place of Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson. The adjustments paid off in both structure and physical presence.
Konate’s return added authority at the back, while Kerkez offered balance on the left. Curtis Jones, returning from illness, was named among the substitutes, providing another option as the game wore on.
The midfield trio of Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch worked tirelessly to recycle possession and apply pressure, allowing the attacking players to stay high and aggressive.
Second-half control and missed hat-trick chance
Liverpool emerged from the break determined to put the game to bed. Within minutes, Ekitike had a golden opportunity to complete his first hat-trick for the club. Pressing Dan Burn, he nicked the ball cleanly but side-footed his effort wide when a goal seemed certain.
That miss did little to knock his confidence, and the overall control remained with the hosts. Newcastle tried to respond, and Barnes forced a sharp reaction save from Alisson Becker with a low drive on the hour, although the flag was raised for offside.
It was a reminder that concentration was still required, but Liverpool soon found the third goal that gave them breathing space.
Wirtz keeps his scoring run alive
The third goal arrived through a familiar source. Mohamed Salah, influential throughout, picked out Florian Wirtz with a clever pass just outside the area. The German midfielder showed composure beyond his years, rolling a low, accurate finish into the corner in front of the Kop.
It was another goal to underline Wirtz’s excellent form and his growing influence in big moments. His movement between the lines caused constant problems, and his partnership with Ekitike continues to look more natural with every game.
At 3-1, the contest felt settled. Liverpool slowed the tempo, managed possession, and forced Newcastle to chase shadows for long spells.
Konate seals the night
There was still time for one final flourish. Deep into stoppage time, Ibrahima Konate capped his return with a goal of his own. Rising to meet the ball inside the area, he powered home to make it 4-1 and put the result beyond any doubt.
It was a fitting moment for a defender who had missed recent matches and returned with authority. The goal summed up the performance, focused, confident, and clinical when it mattered.
What the result means
The victory moves Liverpool to within one point of fourth-placed Chelsea, keeping the pressure firmly on in the race for Champions League qualification. More than the league table, the performance sent a message about resilience and attacking depth.
Coming from behind against a well-organised Newcastle side showed maturity and belief. The quick reaction after conceding, the composure in front of goal, and the control in the second half all point to a team growing into its identity under Arne Slot.
Standout performers and final thoughts
Hugo Ekitike will rightly take the headlines. Two goals in two minutes transformed the match, and his overall display blended physical power with sharp movement and confidence. Florian Wirtz was not far behind, dictating play and adding another goal to his tally. Salah’s creativity, Alisson’s assurance, and Konate’s commanding return all played their part.
On a Saturday night at Anfield, this felt like more than just three points. It felt like a step forward. With momentum building and key players finding form, the run-in promises to be compelling. If performances like this continue, the belief inside the stadium will only grow louder.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com