EK MARKS THE SPOT!

Hugo plunders pair of goals as Reds come from behind

- BY ANDY DUNN

ON the row behind the Liverpool substitutes, Alexander Isak did not get to his feet but he applauded and smiled.

And after seeing Hugo Ekitike inspire Liverpool's winning comeback, the £125million striker must have wondered where he will be playing when he returns from injury, possibly towards the middle or end of February. Because if Arne Slot, in the long term, plays with one central striker, Ekitike is making a fairly irresistible case for it to be him.

The 23-year-old was, of course, wanted by Newcastle, and against Eddie Howe's side he showed exactly why.

It begs the simple question - why did Liverpool need to buy Isak?

But that is done now and Isak should prove to be a great acquisition. Ekitike, though, is a thrilling prospect, his ninth and 10th goals of the Premier League clinical testament to his talent.

Throw in another goal and another improved performance from Florian Wirtz and this was a very satisfying night for Slot and for the executives who signed off the big money buys in the summer.