Hugo Ekitike etched his name into Liverpool’s record books at St. James’ Park, scoring just 20 seconds into the second half as the visitors tightened their grip on a chaotic contest.
The 22-year-old’s strike, timed at 45:20, is the second-fastest second-half goal by a Liverpool player in the Premier League since Philippe Coutinho’s effort against Swansea in February 2013 (45:16).
Only Dirk Kuyt has struck earlier for Liverpool immediately after the interval, netting at 45:09 against West Ham in January 2007.
The Premier League record, however, still belongs to Sammy Ameobi, who stunned Tottenham with a goal timed at just 45:08 for Newcastle in October 2014.
Ekitike’s finish came with ruthless precision. With many home fans still filtering back into their seats, Cody Gakpo carved his way into the Newcastle box, only to see his shot blocked by Fabian Schär.
Ekitike was alive to the rebound, pouncing instinctively and rifling a low drive into the far corner past Nick Pope.
It was a sharp striker’s finish and a moment laced with irony, given Newcastle had explored a move for the Frenchman before his summer switch to Anfield.
The goal showed the contrasting fortunes of the two sides on the night.
Newcastle had bossed long spells of the first half, peppering Alisson with efforts through Anthony Elanga and Bruno Guimarães, yet found themselves trailing after Ryan Gravenberch’s speculative 35th-minute opener from distance.
Their frustration deepened in first-half stoppage time when Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge, leaving Eddie Howe’s side with a mountain to climb.
Ekitike’s strike shortly after the restart appeared to put the contest beyond them, silencing the home crowd and putting Liverpool in cruise control.
Yet the contest was far from over. Liverpool’s defensive frailties resurfaced as Bruno Guimarães pulled one back for Newcastle before substitute William Osula levelled matters, setting up a tense finale.
It took 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha’s composed late finish to seal all three points for Liverpool and spare their blushes.
Ekitike’s second half strike marked his third goal in Liverpool colours, following his strike against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield and another on the opening day of the Premier League season against Bournemouth.
