Liverpool’s summer signing Hugo Ekitike made his mark in the famous Merseyside derby, helping the Reds to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield, Softfootball reports.
The French striker calmly slotted home from Ryan Gravenberch’s assist to double Liverpool’s lead in the first half, marking his first taste of derby action in style. Everton tried to mount a comeback after Idrissa Gana Gueye pulled one back after the break, but Arne Slot’s men held on to secure three points and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.
Reflecting on his derby debut, Ekitike couldn’t hide his excitement about the experience and the support from the Kop. He told Liverpoolfc.com, he said:
Top. Top, top. Obviously I knew that game was really important for the fans, so a win today was important. I felt the stadium and the crowd was very loud today.
It’s a very proud feeling, happy feeling. We just have to keep going. [It] was a good first half. When they came back, it was a bit difficult with the 2-1. But we just kept the right mentality until the end and I think that’s what made the difference at the end.
The strike was Ekitike’s fourth goal since his summer arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, further underlining his growing importance to the champions, he said;
It’s really good. I want to score every game, if you ask me. The last game I didn’t score but I always try to find a way to make the difference. It can be a goal, an assist, a run to create space for another player. It’s good. At the end, the most important [thing] is the team and it’s the three points today.
Ekitike’s blistering early-season form has already made him a fan favourite, with his name being sung loudly around Anfield. The striker admitted he thrives off the energy of the supporters and is determined to give them more to cheer about.
It’s top, honestly I really like it. I said, every time I want it more loud. So, I will try to keep scoring for the fans.
Liverpools derby win at the Anfield is always a fun one to watch especially for the reds supporters, after the game, the team took to its official X handle, to post an exclusive video showing the players reaction to the hard fought win, watch below;
For Liverpool, the result means five wins from five in the Premier League, alongside their Champions League opening victory against Atletico Madrid. But the 22-year-old forward was quick to stress that focus must remain high with a busy run of fixtures ahead, he said;
Football is moments, we can be happy today until tomorrow and when we wake up we have to go again. We have on Tuesday a cup game and we just have to focus and keep going. Our schedule is busy, we just have games and we have to reach goals all the time.
With his form and confidence growing, Ekitike is quickly proving to be one of the smartest pieces of business Liverpool made in the summer. If he keeps this momentum going, the Reds’ attack could become even more frightening as the season goes on.
