Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle: Ekitike, Wirtz in full flow for rampant Reds

Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz sparked an Anfield awakening on Saturday, as the Reds snapped their five-game winless streak in the Premier League with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Newcastle.

WATCH — Liverpool v Newcastle full match replay

Liverpool found themselves a goal down after Anthony Gordon fired past Alisson in the 36th minute, but their response to going a goal down was swift and strong. Wirtz teed up Ekitike for the equalizer just five minutes later and Ekitike made it 2-1 with a brilliant run and finish two minutes after that. Wirtz got his goal in the 67th minute after Mohamed Salah picked him out near the penalty spot, and Ibrahima Konate bundled home the exclamation point in stoppage time.

MORE — Arne Slot reaction

The victory puts Liverpool (39 points) up to 5th place in the PL table (for the time being, ahead of Manchester United (38 points) facing Fulham on Sunday (9 am ET). Newcastle (33 points) slip one spot, down to 10th.

What’s next?

• Manchester City vs Newcastle — Wednesday, 3 pm ET (League Cup)
• Newcastle vs Brentford — Saturday, 12:30 pm ET (next PL fixture)
• Liverpool vs Manchester City — Sunday, 11:30 am ET

Liverpool vs Newcastle live updates - by Andy Edwards

Liverpool vs Newcastle final score: 4-1

Goalscorers: Anthony Gordon (36'), Hugo Ekitike (41', 43'), Florian Wirtz (67'), Ibrahima Konate (90'+3)

GOAL! Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle: Konate puts the cherry on top in stoppage time (90'+3)

Konate puts Liverpool 4-1 up over Newcastle

The rout is on as Ibrahima Konate makes it 4-1 for Liverpool after Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope mishandles the corner kick and spills the ball to Konate's feet.

GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle: Salah sets up Wirtz for a fine finish (67')

Wirtz makes it 3-1 for Liverpool against Newcastle

Florian Wirtz is finally hitting form as Mohamed Salah finds the German international inside the box for a first-time finish to give Liverpool a two-goal lead against Newcastle.

GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle: Ekitike skates past Thiaw, pokes past Pope (43')

Ekitike's 'wonderous finish' gives Liverpool lead

Hugo Ekitike completes his brace in emphatic fashion with an outside of the boot finish past Nick Pope to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead against Newcastle.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle: Ekitike pokes home Wirtz’s clever pass (41')

Wirtz picks out Ekitike for Liverpool's equalizer

Florian Wirtz cuts through Newcastle's defense before finding Hugo Ekitike for a first-time finish to make it 1-1 for Liverpool against Newcastle.

GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle: Gordon fires past Alisson (36')

Gordon strikes Newcastle ahead of Liverpool

Anthony Gordon, a Liverpool native, buries his right-footed effort into the bottom corner of the Reds' goal to give Newcastle a 1-0 lead at Anfield.

Liverpool starting lineup

Alisson - Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez - Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz - Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike

Newcastle starting lineup

Pope - Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall - Tonali, Willock, Ramsey - Elanga, Barnes, Gordon

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How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 3pm ET Saturday (January 31)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: NBC
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com and Stream live on Peacock

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Arne Slot’s Liverpool hammered Qarabag 6-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to seal their spot in the last 16 but in the Premier League it has been a different story. Liverpool lost 3-2 at Bournemouth last weekend and the reigning champions sit in sixth place in the table heading into this weekend. They are just a couple of points off the top four but injuries have impacted them massively and defensively they keep on making big mistakes.

Editor’s note: NBC’s Premier League Live studio shows will take place from Sky in London this weekend with Jon Champion, Graeme Le Saux and Lee Dixon.

Newcastle drew 1-1 at PSG on Wednesday as they missed out on a spot in the last 16 automatically, but are at least in the playoff round in February. Eddie Howe’s side have been hit hard by defensive injuries all season long and they have failed to score in their last two league games as they drew at Wolves and lost at home to Aston Villa last weekend. A top four finish is still possible but they need to get a shift on. However, a win at Liverpool will move them above the Reds in the table.

Liverpool team news, focus

Jeremie Frimpong suffered an injury in midweek as Slot’s defensive options continue to shrink. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are both out through injury but Ibrahima Konate is available after being away on compassionate leave. Dominik Szoboszlai could line up at right back but Ryan Gravenberch will move back to his usual position in central midfield. Slot really doesn’t have many options to rotate his team.

Newcastle team news, focus

Livramento, Schar, Joelinton, Murphy and Krafth all remain out, while Howe will look to rotate his attacking unit after a draining draw at PSG in midweek. Captain Bruno Guimaraes is hoping to be fit to return. Given their injuries and some poor form so far this season, Newcastle will be delighted they are in the Champions League playoff round and still in with a chance of finishing in the top five of the Premier League.

Liverpool vs Newcastle prediction

This feels like it will be an error-strewn game between two squads stretched to their limits. Go for the hosts to prevail in dramatic fashion, just like they did in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Liverpool 3-2 Newcastle.