Premier League Regular Season - 24

Liverpool 4 - 1 FT Newcastle

Anfield

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
63
FT
Sat, Jan 31
Liverpool
4-1
Newcastle
⚡ Intensity 64
⚖️ Balance 69
🏆 Stakes 44
🎲 Upset 0
Ekitiké double inspires emphatic Anfield comeback.

Ekitiké's Rapid-Fire Double Ignites Anfield Comeback

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 63/100. Liverpool maintained their pursuit of the top four with a relentless display of attacking efficiency that left Newcastle reeling after an initial scare.

The Early Trade-Offs

The match began with a deceptive Balance as both sides probed for weaknesses under the Anfield lights. Newcastle, buoyed by their recent form, showed no fear and initially silenced the home crowd in the 36th minute. A. Gordon capitalized on a moment of defensive hesitation to fire the visitors ahead, rewarding their early tactical discipline and direct running. The Stakes were high for a Liverpool side desperate to climb the table, and for a moment, a significant Upset seemed plausible. However, the goal only served to awaken a sleeping giant. The Intensity of the press shifted immediately as the Reds edged possession with 54%, forcing the Magpies back into their own territory through relentless overlap play and high-octane transitions that the visitors struggled to contain as the half progressed.

The Seven-Minute Storm

The match trajectory shifted violently during a whirlwind sequence that completely dismantled the Magpies' defensive structure. Just five minutes after falling behind, H. Ekitike restored parity, latching onto a sublime pass from F. Wirtz in the 41st minute. Before the visitors could catch their breath or regroup, the same duo combined with M. Kerkez to allow Ekitiké to double his tally only two minutes later. This rapid-fire sequence turned a deficit into a lead, showcasing a lethal efficiency that transformed the atmosphere inside the ground. A barrage of 25 shots across the match turned the pitch into a shooting gallery, but it was this specific window of clinical finishing that broke Newcastle's resolve. Despite earning 11 corners, the visitors lacked the composure required to counter the hosts' sudden and overwhelming attacking surge.

Dominance Sealed at the Death

The second half was a masterclass in game management and calculated aggression from the home side. Rather than sitting on their lead, the Reds continued to hunt for more, with M. Salah turning provider for Wirtz in the 67th minute to effectively end the contest as a spectacle. The tactical Balance shifted entirely toward the Merseysiders, who limited Newcastle to just two shots on target all evening despite their set-piece pressure. The final flourish arrived in stoppage time when I. Konate rose highest to power home a header for the fourth, putting the gloss on a dominant 4-1 scoreline. This victory provides a massive boost to their European aspirations, while the Magpies are left to rue a defensive collapse that saw them concede three times in the blink of an eye. The result underlines the sheer gulf in quality when Liverpool's front line hits top gear.

Key Questions

What made Hugo Ekitiké the Man of the Match?

Hugo Ekitiké’s clinical brace within two minutes turned the match on its head, earning him a match-high 8.6 rating for his lethal finishing.

What caused the 5-goal thriller?

A relentless attacking display featuring 25 total shots and 18 corners created constant goalmouth action, resulting in a high-scoring Premier League spectacle.

How did Liverpool complete the comeback from behind?

Liverpool responded to a 36th-minute deficit with an immediate increase in pressure, scoring twice before the break through Ekitiké to seize control.

What is the Title Race Clash?

The Title Race Clash is the rivalry between Liverpool and Newcastle, a passionate regional rivalry with deep local significance.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
54%
46%
Liverpool 54%
Newcastle 46%
Shots
17
8
Liverpool 17
Newcastle 8
Shots on Target
7
2
Liverpool 7
Newcastle 2
Expected Goals (xG)
1.92
0.33
Liverpool 1.92
Newcastle 0.33
Passes
404
324
Liverpool 404
Newcastle 324
Pass Accuracy
83%
80%
Liverpool 83%
Newcastle 80%
Corners
7
11
Liverpool 7
Newcastle 11
Fouls
11
7
Liverpool 11
Newcastle 7
Yellow Cards
1
3
Liverpool 1
Newcastle 3
Red Cards
0
0
Liverpool 0
Newcastle 0

Match Events

A. Gordon 🟨 11'
A. Gordon 36'
41' H. Ekitike (F. Wirtz)
43' H. Ekitike (M. Kerkez)
J. Ramsey 🟨 45'+3
HT
59' 🟨 A. Mac Allister
67' F. Wirtz (M. Salah)
A. Elanga N. Woltemade 🔄 73'
H. Barnes Y. Wissa 🔄 73'
J. Willock J. Murphy 🔄 73'
84' 🔄 M. Salah F. Chiesa
84' 🔄 H. Ekitike C. Jones
K. Trippier W. Osula 🔄 84'
D. Burn 🟨 86'
87' 🔄 F. Wirtz W. Endo
L. Hall A. Murphy 🔄 89'
90'+3 I. Konate
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Liverpool

Goalkeepers
Alisson
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
2
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Dominik Szoboszlai
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
48%
Pass Acc
Ibrahima Konaté
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.9
Rating
Virgil van Dijk
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Miloš Kerkez
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
1
Assists
27%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Ryan Gravenberch
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alexis Mac Allister
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mohamed Salah
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
1
Assists
15%
Pass Acc
Florian Wirtz
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Cody Gakpo
DRIBBLER
DRIBBLER
5
Dribbles
5
Dribbles
6
Attempts
83%
Success %
Forwards
Hugo Ekitiké
HITMAN
HITMAN
2
Goals
2
Goals
4
On Target
8.6
Rating
BENCH
Giorgi Mamardashvili
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Amara Nallo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Calvin Ramsay
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Andrew Robertson
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Wataru Endo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
7
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Curtis Jones
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Trey Nyoni
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Federico Chiesa
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Rio Ngumoha
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Newcastle

Goalkeepers
Nick Pope
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Kieran Trippier
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
34%
Pass Acc
Malick Thiaw
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Dan Burn
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lewis Hall
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
25%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Jacob Ramsey
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Sandro Tonali
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Joe Willock
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Forwards
Anthony Elanga
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
73
Total Mins
73
Entry
Anthony Gordon
FINISHER
FINISHER
1
Goals
1
Goals
3
Shots
7.3
Rating
Harvey Barnes
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
73
Total Mins
73
Entry
BENCH
Aaron Ramsdale
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Sven Botman
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Leo Shahar
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alex Murphy
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
5
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lewis Miley
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jacob Murphy
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Nick Woltemade
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
William Osula
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yoane Wissa
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
25/08/2025 Newcastle 2 - 3 Liverpool Premier League St. James' Park
16/03/2025 Liverpool 1 - 2 Newcastle League Cup Wembley Stadium
26/02/2025 Liverpool 2 - 0 Newcastle Premier League Anfield
04/12/2024 Newcastle 3 - 3 Liverpool Premier League St. James' Park
01/01/2024 Liverpool 4 - 2 Newcastle Premier League Anfield
27/08/2023 Newcastle 1 - 2 Liverpool Premier League St. James' Park
25/08/2025
Premier League St. James' Park
16/03/2025
League Cup Wembley Stadium
26/02/2025
Premier League Anfield
04/12/2024
Premier League St. James' Park
01/01/2024
Premier League Anfield
27/08/2023
Premier League St. James' Park
Liverpool Win
Newcastle Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Arsenal 24 53 46 17 +29 WLeeds 0 - 4 Arsenal (31-01-2026)LArsenal 2 - 3 Manchester United (25-01-2026)DNottingham Forest 0 - 0 Arsenal (17-01-2026)DArsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool (08-01-2026)WBournemouth 2 - 3 Arsenal (03-01-2026)
2 Manchester City 24 47 49 23 +26 DTottenham 2 - 2 Manchester City (01-02-2026)WManchester City 2 - 0 Wolves (24-01-2026)LManchester United 2 - 0 Manchester City (17-01-2026)DManchester City 1 - 1 Brighton (07-01-2026)DManchester City 1 - 1 Chelsea (04-01-2026)
3 Aston Villa 24 46 35 26 +9 LAston Villa 0 - 1 Brentford (01-02-2026)WNewcastle 0 - 2 Aston Villa (25-01-2026)LAston Villa 0 - 1 Everton (18-01-2026)DCrystal Palace 0 - 0 Aston Villa (07-01-2026)WAston Villa 3 - 1 Nottingham Forest (03-01-2026)
4 Manchester United 24 41 44 36 +8 WManchester United 3 - 2 Fulham (01-02-2026)WArsenal 2 - 3 Manchester United (25-01-2026)WManchester United 2 - 0 Manchester City (17-01-2026)DBurnley 2 - 2 Manchester United (07-01-2026)DLeeds 1 - 1 Manchester United (04-01-2026)
5 Chelsea 24 40 42 27 +15 WChelsea 3 - 2 West Ham (31-01-2026)WCrystal Palace 1 - 3 Chelsea (25-01-2026)WChelsea 2 - 0 Brentford (17-01-2026)LFulham 2 - 1 Chelsea (07-01-2026)DManchester City 1 - 1 Chelsea (04-01-2026)
6 Liverpool 24 39 39 33 +6 WLiverpool 4 - 1 Newcastle (31-01-2026)LBournemouth 3 - 2 Liverpool (24-01-2026)DLiverpool 1 - 1 Burnley (17-01-2026)DArsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool (08-01-2026)DFulham 2 - 2 Liverpool (04-01-2026)
7 Brentford 24 36 36 32 +4 WAston Villa 0 - 1 Brentford (01-02-2026)LBrentford 0 - 2 Nottingham Forest (25-01-2026)LChelsea 2 - 0 Brentford (17-01-2026)WBrentford 3 - 0 Sunderland (07-01-2026)WEverton 2 - 4 Brentford (04-01-2026)
8 Sunderland 24 36 27 26 +1 WSunderland 3 - 0 Burnley (02-02-2026)LWest Ham 3 - 1 Sunderland (24-01-2026)WSunderland 2 - 1 Crystal Palace (17-01-2026)LBrentford 3 - 0 Sunderland (07-01-2026)DTottenham 1 - 1 Sunderland (04-01-2026)
9 Fulham 24 34 34 35 -1 LManchester United 3 - 2 Fulham (01-02-2026)WFulham 2 - 1 Brighton (24-01-2026)LLeeds 1 - 0 Fulham (17-01-2026)WFulham 2 - 1 Chelsea (07-01-2026)DFulham 2 - 2 Liverpool (04-01-2026)
10 Everton 24 34 26 27 -1 DBrighton 1 - 1 Everton (31-01-2026)DEverton 1 - 1 Leeds (26-01-2026)WAston Villa 0 - 1 Everton (18-01-2026)DEverton 1 - 1 Wolves (07-01-2026)LEverton 2 - 4 Brentford (04-01-2026)
11 Newcastle 24 33 33 33 0 LLiverpool 4 - 1 Newcastle (31-01-2026)LNewcastle 0 - 2 Aston Villa (25-01-2026)DWolves 0 - 0 Newcastle (18-01-2026)WNewcastle 4 - 3 Leeds (07-01-2026)WNewcastle 2 - 0 Crystal Palace (04-01-2026)
12 Bournemouth 24 33 40 43 -3 WWolves 0 - 2 Bournemouth (31-01-2026)WBournemouth 3 - 2 Liverpool (24-01-2026)DBrighton 1 - 1 Bournemouth (19-01-2026)WBournemouth 3 - 2 Tottenham (07-01-2026)LBournemouth 2 - 3 Arsenal (03-01-2026)
13 Brighton 24 31 34 32 +2 DBrighton 1 - 1 Everton (31-01-2026)LFulham 2 - 1 Brighton (24-01-2026)DBrighton 1 - 1 Bournemouth (19-01-2026)DManchester City 1 - 1 Brighton (07-01-2026)WBrighton 2 - 0 Burnley (03-01-2026)
14 Tottenham 24 29 35 33 +2 DTottenham 2 - 2 Manchester City (01-02-2026)DBurnley 2 - 2 Tottenham (24-01-2026)LTottenham 1 - 2 West Ham (17-01-2026)LBournemouth 3 - 2 Tottenham (07-01-2026)DTottenham 1 - 1 Sunderland (04-01-2026)
15 Crystal Palace 24 29 25 29 -4 DNottingham Forest 1 - 1 Crystal Palace (01-02-2026)LCrystal Palace 1 - 3 Chelsea (25-01-2026)LSunderland 2 - 1 Crystal Palace (17-01-2026)DCrystal Palace 0 - 0 Aston Villa (07-01-2026)LNewcastle 2 - 0 Crystal Palace (04-01-2026)
16 Leeds 24 26 31 42 -11 LLeeds 0 - 4 Arsenal (31-01-2026)DEverton 1 - 1 Leeds (26-01-2026)WLeeds 1 - 0 Fulham (17-01-2026)LNewcastle 4 - 3 Leeds (07-01-2026)DLeeds 1 - 1 Manchester United (04-01-2026)
17 Nottingham Forest 24 26 24 35 -11 DNottingham Forest 1 - 1 Crystal Palace (01-02-2026)WBrentford 0 - 2 Nottingham Forest (25-01-2026)DNottingham Forest 0 - 0 Arsenal (17-01-2026)WWest Ham 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (06-01-2026)LAston Villa 3 - 1 Nottingham Forest (03-01-2026)
18 West Ham 24 20 29 48 -19 LChelsea 3 - 2 West Ham (31-01-2026)WWest Ham 3 - 1 Sunderland (24-01-2026)WTottenham 1 - 2 West Ham (17-01-2026)LWest Ham 1 - 2 Nottingham Forest (06-01-2026)LWolves 3 - 0 West Ham (03-01-2026)
19 Burnley 24 15 25 47 -22 LSunderland 3 - 0 Burnley (02-02-2026)DBurnley 2 - 2 Tottenham (24-01-2026)DLiverpool 1 - 1 Burnley (17-01-2026)DBurnley 2 - 2 Manchester United (07-01-2026)LBrighton 2 - 0 Burnley (03-01-2026)
20 Wolves 24 8 15 45 -30 LWolves 0 - 2 Bournemouth (31-01-2026)LManchester City 2 - 0 Wolves (24-01-2026)DWolves 0 - 0 Newcastle (18-01-2026)DEverton 1 - 1 Wolves (07-01-2026)WWolves 3 - 0 West Ham (03-01-2026)