The France international, a summer transfer target for Newcastle, was snapped up by the defending champions. Liverpool also signed Alexander Isak from Tyneside in a British record deal, but he is still recovering from a broken leg. Ekitike carried the scoring burden, taking his season tally to 15 and reaching double figures in the league.

Liverpool came from behind in a chaotic first half that resembled the clashes between these clubs in the mid-1990s. Fans have started comparing Ekitike to Fernando Torres, and his finish for the second goal had a hint of the former Spain international’s style.

Florian Wirtz, another summer signing, quickly became a favourite. His skill set up Ekitike’s first goal and later added the crucial third. Ibrahima Konate scored in added time on his first appearance since his father’s death, providing an emotional moment for Liverpool.

Newcastle, missing Bruno Guimaraes, tried to impose themselves physically. Anthony Gordon was booked for a late lunge on Alisson Becker, having earlier fouled Alexis Mac Allister. Their aggressive approach continued, but it lost effectiveness as the game progressed.

Mohamed Salah missed a clear chance after a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai. Newcastle capitalized on the open play, with Gordon firing through Milos Kerkez’s legs to score. Within minutes, Wirtz dribbled past three defenders, and Ekitike finished past Nick Pope.

Kerkez’s long ball left Ekitike with a clear run, and he skipped past Malick Thiaw before beating Pope with the outside of his right foot. Slot celebrated with a fist pump.

Five minutes into the second half, Ekitike forced Dan Burn into an error but shot wide. Alisson saved low from Harvey Barnes before the offside flag stopped a potential Newcastle goal. Wirtz combined with Salah to score Liverpool’s fourth. Salah continued to miss chances, poking a shot into the side-netting. Konate sealed the victory from close range.