Hugo Ekitike pledged to “try to be even better” after producing three goal contributions in Liverpool’s emphatic 5-2 Premier League victory over West Ham United on February 28, 2026, Softfootball reports.
The France international opened the scoring at Anfield with his 16th goal of the season, reacting sharply inside the box in the fifth minute to hand the Reds an early advantage.
He later provided assists for Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, earning Player of the Match honours as Arne Slot’s side secured a fourth successive league win.
According to a post shared by the club via their official X handle, Ekitike told Liverpoolfc post-match that he was pleased with the team’s performance but remains unsatisfied with his own form despite growing praise.
their statement:
“I’ll try to be even better,” was Hugo Ekitike’s response to three more goal contributions on Saturday
he said, underlining his determination to keep improving.
Liverpool reignited their push for UEFA Champions League qualification with the result, moving level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United in the table.
Slot’s men were ruthless in the first half, scoring three times from set pieces. After Ekitike’s early strike, Virgil van Dijk powered in a header from a corner to extend the lead.
West Ham threatened a comeback after the break through Tomas Soucek and Valentin Castellanos, briefly reducing the deficit.
However, Liverpool responded decisively, with Gakpo restoring control before a late Axel Disasi own goal sealed the comprehensive win.
Elsewhere, Sunderland AFC confirmed that Dan Ballard has signed a 12-month contract extension, keeping the 26-year-old centre-back at the club until the summer of 2029. The new deal was agreed ahead of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, reflecting Ballard’s consistent performances and development following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
