Liverpool secured their 100th Premier League victory at Anfield under manager Arne Slot with a resounding 6-0 thrashing of Newcastle United, sending shockwaves through the Magpies' title hopes.
In a game that seemed to belong to the visitors for large spells, Liverpool's top-scorer Hugo Ekitiké delivered on his price tag, tormenting Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and scoring twice. The France international had been a major concern for Eddie Howe's side during the transfer window, with Liverpool ultimately securing him in a deal worth £79m.
The Magpies' lead was initially repaid through Anthony Gordon, who rose above the defense to score from a Virgil van Dijk header, but Ekitiké and teammate Florian Wirtz turned the game on its head with two swift equalizing goals before halftime. However, it was Ekitiké's second strike that proved telling, as he poked home after Newcastle defender Dan Burn failed to clear his path.
As the match wore on, Liverpool's attacking prowess began to tell. Ibrahima Konaté scored the decisive third goal with a stoppage-time header from a corner, before Wirtz sealed the win with a late, clinical finish. The victory marked a major milestone for Liverpool and proved a devastating blow to Newcastle United's title aspirations.
The 6-0 defeat was Newcastle's worst result of the season so far and marked a significant setback for Eddie Howe's side. It also highlighted the quality difference between the two teams on display.
In a game that seemed to belong to the visitors for large spells, Liverpool's top-scorer Hugo Ekitiké delivered on his price tag, tormenting Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and scoring twice. The France international had been a major concern for Eddie Howe's side during the transfer window, with Liverpool ultimately securing him in a deal worth £79m.
The Magpies' lead was initially repaid through Anthony Gordon, who rose above the defense to score from a Virgil van Dijk header, but Ekitiké and teammate Florian Wirtz turned the game on its head with two swift equalizing goals before halftime. However, it was Ekitiké's second strike that proved telling, as he poked home after Newcastle defender Dan Burn failed to clear his path.
As the match wore on, Liverpool's attacking prowess began to tell. Ibrahima Konaté scored the decisive third goal with a stoppage-time header from a corner, before Wirtz sealed the win with a late, clinical finish. The victory marked a major milestone for Liverpool and proved a devastating blow to Newcastle United's title aspirations.
The 6-0 defeat was Newcastle's worst result of the season so far and marked a significant setback for Eddie Howe's side. It also highlighted the quality difference between the two teams on display.