In an electrifying showdown on Monday night, Liverpool edged out Newcastle 3-2 in a match that saw the odds stacked against them.

Newcastle showcased one of their best performances recently, and had they featured their star striker Alexander Isak, they might have returned home with all three points.

However, Anthony Gordon's red card proved costly for the Magpies, as despite goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula, they could not overcome Liverpool's tenacity.

While Liverpool faced challenges throughout the game, some of their top players stepped up when it mattered most.

Chris Sutton Praises 'Ruthless' Ekitike

As the second half commenced, Liverpool took the lead with an impressive goal from Ryan Gravenberch, whose strike clipped the post and found the back of the net.

Shortly thereafter, newcomer Hugo Ekitike displayed his skill, doubling Liverpool’s lead just a minute into the second half.

Brought in to fill the shoes of Darwin Nunez, who moved to Saudi Arabia, Ekitike has quickly become an integral part of Liverpool's offense. Sky Sports commentator Chris Sutton raved about his performance, stating, "He’s absolutely ruthless. Ekitike runs from one end of the pitch to the other and knows how to find the net."

Could Liverpool Surpass Their Need for Isak?

The fierce determination exhibited by Newcastle might have been fueled by the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding Isak, long considered a coveted target for Liverpool. While signing him would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool's front line, Ekitike's rising form casts doubt on whether they actually require him.

The French forward has already netted three goals since his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, consistently positioning himself for scoring opportunities and turning potential chances into goals.

Although coach Slot has suggested that Ekitike could adapt to a left-wing role, it's clear that his strongest contributions come from the central striker position.

As the dust settles from the thrilling clash between Liverpool and Newcastle, one thing is certain: Liverpool’s new star is on the rise, and the team's future looks bright with Ekitike leading the charge.