Liverpool put on a strong show at Anfield on Saturday, January 31, 2026, coming from behind to beat Newcastle United 4-1 in the Premier League. It was the Reds’ first league win of the year, moving them up to fifth and shining a light on the growing link-up between summer arrival Hugo Ekitike and creator Florian Wirtz.
Match Recap, Gordon Strikes First, Liverpool Hit Back Fast
Newcastle began well and took the lead in the 36th minute through Anthony Gordon. He ended a long run without an open-play Premier League goal, drilling a low shot past Alisson after a tidy team move. For a moment, it looked like the Magpies might finally leave Anfield with something.
Liverpool didn’t let that feeling last. Five minutes later, Wirtz carried the ball through midfield and picked out Ekitike with a sharp cut-back. The striker met it first time and fired in the equalizer in the 41st minute.
Then came the swing that decided the match. In the 43rd minute, Ekitike burst down the left, held off his man, and poked a clever finish into the far corner. Two goals in two minutes turned a Newcastle lead into a Liverpool advantage, and the home crowd responded right away.
Liverpool stayed on top after the break and kept Newcastle pinned back. In the 67th minute, Mohamed Salah added another record moment by providing the pass for Wirtz, who finished calmly for 3-1. Wirtz’s goal and assist summed up his impact, and he earned player of the match for a display full of ideas and end product.
The fourth arrived in stoppage time. Ibrahima Konate, back in the side after a difficult period, benefited from a costly mistake from Nick Pope. The Newcastle keeper spilled a corner, and Konate had an easy tap-in at 90+3′ to round off the win.
Liverpool Performance and Key Numbers
Liverpool had more of the ball and made more chances, but the biggest takeaway was how quickly they responded after conceding. Once they levelled, they played with control and purpose, and the finishing matched the buildup.
Liverpool Match Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Goals | 4 |
| Scorers | Hugo Ekitike (41′, 43′), Florian Wirtz (67′), Ibrahima Konate (90+3′) |
| Assists | Florian Wirtz (1), Milos Kerkez (1), Mohamed Salah (1) |
| Possession | 54% |
| Shots | 17 |
| Shots on Target | Not specified (strong conversion rate) |
| Key Performers | Hugo Ekitike (brace, 10th league goal), Florian Wirtz (goal + assist, MOTM) |
Ekitike’s numbers keep getting better, and Wirtz continues to set the tone in the final third. At the back, Liverpool had one shaky moment early on, then tightened up and gave Newcastle very little to work with.
Newcastle Fade After Bright Start
Newcastle’s early energy didn’t carry through the full match. The defense fell apart at key times, first when Liverpool found space for the equalizer, then again late on when Pope’s error handed Konate a simple finish. Gordon’s goal was the main bright spot, but the Magpies couldn’t match Liverpool’s intensity in the second half.
Newcastle Match Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Scorer | Anthony Gordon (36′) |
| Possession | 46% |
| Shots | 8 |
| Shots on Target | Limited (few clear chances) |
| Key Performer | Anthony Gordon (goal, lively early) |
| Issues | Defensive errors, couldn’t protect the lead |
The result keeps Newcastle waiting for a Premier League win at Anfield, a run that has stretched on for decades. Eddie Howe’s side showed quality in patches, but Liverpool punished every drop in focus.
What It Means Going Forward
Liverpool will take confidence from a performance like this as the top-four race heats up. Arne Slot’s team looked sharper, more direct, and far more clinical than earlier in the year. For Newcastle, it was another tough away day against elite opposition, with mistakes proving expensive.
Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle United had all the familiar Anfield beats, a setback, a fast response, and a finish that left no doubt.
