Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle: Ekitike Brace & Konaté Emotional Goal
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle: Emotional Comeback at Anfield
Liverpool produced a stirring comeback to defeat Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield in the Premier League on 31 January 2026, ending a frustrating run without a league victory.
The visitors struck first through Anthony Gordon, but Liverpool responded with remarkable speed. Hugo Ekitike scored twice within minutes to completely transform the contest before Florian Wirtz added a superb third.
The most emotional moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Ibrahima Konaté scored on his return to the team following compassionate leave after the death of his father.
Konaté's goal sparked an unforgettable celebration at Anfield, with his teammates surrounding him as supporters applauded the defender.
The result gave Arne Slot's side a major lift ahead of their upcoming meeting with Manchester City and highlighted the growing understanding between summer arrivals Ekitike and Wirtz.Match Overview
Anfield was buzzing under the floodlights as Liverpool looked to end their difficult run of Premier League results.
Newcastle began positively and exploited spaces behind Liverpool's defensive structure. Their approach was rewarded when Gordon opened the scoring in the first half.
Liverpool, however, responded almost immediately.
The home side gradually increased their attacking pressure, with Wirtz becoming increasingly influential between the lines.
Ekitike's movement caused Newcastle constant problems, while Liverpool's wide players stretched the visitors' defensive shape.
Once the Reds moved ahead, Newcastle struggled to regain control.
Liverpool's intensity, passing combinations and ability to attack the spaces around Newcastle's back line ultimately proved decisive.36' — Newcastle Take the Lead
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle: Anthony Gordon
Newcastle produced the opening breakthrough in the 36th minute.
A quick attacking move released Anthony Gordon into space. The Newcastle forward carried the ball towards goal before calmly finishing beyond Alisson and into the bottom corner.
It was a composed finish that temporarily silenced Anfield.
Liverpool suddenly faced the prospect of another disappointing Premier League result.
Instead, their response was emphatic.41' — Ekitike Brings Liverpool Level
Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle: Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool needed only a few minutes to respond.
Florian Wirtz produced a brilliant piece of attacking play, carrying the ball forward before creating an opening for the equaliser.
Ekitike arrived at exactly the right moment and smashed a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Anfield was alive again.43' — Ekitike Completes Rapid Brace
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle: Hugo Ekitike
Just two minutes later, Ekitike struck again.
The French forward accelerated through the left channel, using his strength and pace to get away from the Newcastle defence.
He then produced a clever finish beyond Nick Pope.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle.
In the space of just a few minutes, Liverpool had gone from trailing to leading.
Ekitike's brace demonstrated his growing confidence and highlighted why Liverpool invested heavily in his potential.
Liverpool produced a stirring comeback to secure their first Premier League win of 2026, defeating Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield in a match filled with drama, quality, and deep emotion.
Hugo Ekitike's quickfire brace turned the game on its head after Anthony Gordon's opener, Florian Wirtz added a classy third, and Ibrahima Konaté capped the night with a poignant stoppage-time goal on his return following the tragic death of his father.
This result lifted Liverpool into fifth place, boosting morale ahead of a crucial clash with Manchester City. Arne Slot's side showed resilience, flair, and unity, with summer signings Ekitike and Wirtz proving pivotal in their growing partnership.
Liverpool players' Anfield arrival set the scene for terrific ...
(Liverpool players celebrate at full-time, arms raised amid the roaring Anfield crowd after a dominant display.)
Match Overview
Under the floodlights at Anfield on a Saturday night (kick-off around 8:00 PM GMT / 1:30 AM IST on February 1), Liverpool overcame an early setback to dominate. Newcastle started brightly, exploiting spaces, but the Reds' attacking dynamism—led by Ekitike and Wirtz—overwhelmed them. Possession was shared, but Liverpool created higher-quality chances (xG reports around 2.8-3.2 for the hosts vs. 1.0 for Newcastle).
The emotional backdrop centered on Konaté, who returned from compassionate leave to help amid defensive issues. Slot praised his professionalism: Konaté trained twice midweek and delivered a commanding performance plus a goal.
Newcastle, competitive early, faded after the turnaround, with errors proving costly.
Goals and Key Moments
36' – Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle: Anthony Gordon Newcastle took a deserved lead. A swift counter saw Gordon latch onto a through ball, driving forward and finishing clinically past Alisson into the bottom corner—his first open-play Premier League goal in over a year. The Magpies' fans erupted, silencing Anfield momentarily.
1-0 Newcastle United. ANTHONY GORDON OPENS THE SCORING AGAINST ...
(Anthony Gordon wheels away in celebration after opening the scoring for Newcastle, pointing to the badge in front of the away end.)
41' – Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle: Hugo Ekitike Liverpool equalized swiftly. Florian Wirtz glided through midfield, evading challenges before squaring a precise cutback from the byline. Ekitike arrived to smash a first-time right-footed finish into the bottom left corner. The Anfield roar returned instantly.
Two goals in 138 seconds for Hugo Ekitike against ...
(Hugo Ekitike celebrates his equalizer, arms outstretched as he runs toward the Kop with Florian Wirtz in support.)
43' – Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle: Hugo Ekitike Just two minutes later, Ekitike struck again. Bursting down the left channel with pace, he outmuscled defenders before toe-poking an impudent finish past Nick Pope into the far corner. A rapid brace flipped the script completely.
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle analysis: Hugo Ekitike steps up - BBC Sport
(Ekitike explodes in joy after his second goal, fist pumping amid the pandemonium at Anfield.)
67' – Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle: Florian Wirtz Wirtz sealed the points with a moment of class. Receiving from Mohamed Salah after a flowing move, the German international shifted the ball and curled a precise finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. His celebration highlighted his growing influence.
Florian Wirtz finally scores as Liverpool win again – but Wolves ...
(Florian Wirtz leaps in delight after scoring Liverpool's third, arms wide as teammates rush to join him.)
90+3' – Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle: Ibrahima Konaté In stoppage time, Konaté bundled home after Nick Pope dropped a Dominik Szoboszlai corner at his feet. The defender prodded in from close range for his first Anfield league goal. He fought back tears, pointing skyward in tribute to his father as Anfield rose in applause.
Ibrahima Konate Fights Back Tears After Scoring for Liverpool in ...
(Ibrahima Konaté emotional after his goal, embraced by teammates in a touching moment of unity and tribute.)
Highlights and Analysis
Ekitike (9/10 ratings) was ruthless, his brace showcasing clinical finishing and link-up with Wirtz. The pair combined for six goals across competitions recently, forming a lethal duo. Wirtz dazzled with vision, dribbling, and his goal—earning player-of-the-match honors.
Konaté was immense defensively and emotionally charged, his return and goal providing inspiration. Virgil van Dijk and the backline recovered well post-Gordon goal.
Newcastle threatened early but collapsed after halftime, with Pope's error compounding issues.Liverpool latest Premier League resultsThis win ended a five-game league winless run, showcasing Slot's attacking philosophy. Post-match, Slot lauded Konaté: "He came back to help... everyone was cheering for Ibou."
Standings: Liverpool climb to fifth; Newcastle mid-table but frustrated.
Full-time: Players applaud fans, with Konaté receiving special acclaim.
FAQs
What was the Liverpool vs Newcastle score?
Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield.
Who scored for Liverpool?
Hugo Ekitike scored twice, Florian Wirtz scored once and Ibrahima Konaté completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Who scored Newcastle's goal?
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for Newcastle in the 36th minute.
How many goals did Hugo Ekitike score?
Ekitike scored two goals, completing a rapid brace shortly after Newcastle had taken the lead.
Why was Konaté's goal emotional?
Konaté celebrated his stoppage-time goal by pointing towards the sky following his return to the Liverpool team after compassionate leave following the death of his father.
How did Florian Wirtz perform?
Wirtz was one of Liverpool's standout players, contributing creativity, attacking movement and a well-taken goal.
What does the win mean for Liverpool?
The victory ended Liverpool's five-match Premier League winless run and provided important momentum ahead of their next major fixtures.
Who was Liverpool's best player?
Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz were among the standout performers, with Ekitike's brace proving decisive.
Comments
Post a Comment