It took Hugo Ekitike exactly two minutes to flip this match on its head — and when he did, Anfield erupted. Liverpool came from behind to thrash Newcastle United 4-1 in Andoni Iraola's first competitive match as Reds manager, with Ekitike's brace, a Florian Wirtz goal and an Ibrahima Konate stoppage-time strike completing a statement opening-day performance.
Anthony Gordon had given Newcastle a shock lead with a crisp finish that silenced the home crowd briefly, but by the 43rd minute Liverpool had turned the game on its head. Ekitike, signed in the summer and making his Premier League bow, levelled on 41 minutes — with Wirtz providing the assist — and then immediately struck again two minutes later to put the hosts in front. The crowd, already rising, absolutely roared.
Wirtz the Orchestrator
If Ekitike provided the goals to swing the game, Florian Wirtz provided the quality that made Liverpool look a different class. The German international was everywhere in the first half, picking pockets and finding pockets — threading passes through Newcastle's defensive lines with a precision that the Toon simply had no answer for. His assist for the equaliser was sumptuous: a first-time throughball that split two defenders and left Ekitike with only Nick Pope to beat.
Wirtz then made it 3-1 himself, cutting in from the left and curling a beautiful strike into the far corner. It was the sort of goal that does not just win matches — it sets the tone for an entire season.
Konate Seals It
The fourth came in first-half stoppage time via circumstances that will horrify Newcastle fans. Pope failed to hold a cross under pressure, the ball spilling straight to Ibrahima Konate, who could not miss from six yards. Liverpool went into the break 4-1 up, and the second half was a relaxed exhibition from the hosts.
Iraola's Dream Start
For Andoni Iraola, this could not have gone better. His Liverpool side pressed intelligently, transitioned quickly and hurt Newcastle every time they did. Alexander Isak, making his Premier League debut for the club, linked play effectively in the second half and will only grow in confidence as the season progresses.
Liverpool sit in the top half of the table after day one. If this is what their football looks like under Iraola, opponents should be very worried.
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle | Premier League GW1 | Anfield, August 23, 2026
Goals: Gordon 12' (Newcastle); Ekitike 41', 43', Wirtz 45', Konate 45+2' (Liverpool)
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