It was nearly disaster mode for Liverpool as Eintracht Frankfurt went forward within the twenty sixth minute of play on Wednesday within the Champions League, however it was Hugo Ekitike who had a deft end to carry the Reds degree and spark a come-from-behind victory. The Reds went into Frankfurt and ended a four-match shedding streak in all competitions with an emphatic 5-1 victory.
The match was a return to his former membership for Ekitike after leaving Frankfurt for Liverpool through the summer time, however with Alexander Isak additionally becoming a member of the Reds, it appeared like Ekitike could be headed to the bench. With Mohamed Salah being rested, the French ahead showcased his versatility, beginning the match on the fitting wing and scoring a stunning purpose, together with taking three pictures.
Liverpool went on the counter and Ekitike took a future earlier than ending previous Frankfurt keeper Michael Zetterer. It was a major purpose as properly, with Ekitike discovering the again of the online for the fifth time in solely his eighth begin in all competitions for Liverpool. It is one thing that has solely been executed seven instances within the final 60 years for Liverpool, and the gamers who final achieved the feat make up fairly an inventory, with the late Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah being the final two.
Frankfurt have now allowed a whopping 10 targets of their final two Champions League fixtures, so that is removed from a end result that claims that every one is properly for Liverpool, however Ekitike may very well be in for a run as the purpose striker. On the half, Slot withdrew Isak, bringing on a winger in Federico Chiesa to maneuver Ekitike to the 9. Isak was withdrawn on account of a groin damage, which has been a recurring concern for him over the previous yr, however it’s unknown how lengthy he shall be out at this stage.
Isak nonetheless solely has one purpose and one help for Liverpool to this point since becoming a member of, which is much from the expectations after scoring 23 league targets for Newcastle United final season. A chaotic summer time that noticed Isak prepare alone on account of requesting a switch away from Newcastle, it has taken longer than anticipated for him to regain sharpness from and it could make sense for Ekitike to get extra begins going ahead with Isak coming off the bench.
The defensive worries are nonetheless there for the Reds, however one of the best ways to fight that’s by scoring as many targets as potential like they did defeating Frankfurt. Taking 18 pictures and placing 14 on track for 3.18 anticipated targets, there is not far more that Slot may need from his assault — apart from consistency. Even Florian Wirtz acquired two assists after additionally struggling along with his transition to the membership.
Liverpool wanted a win to revive confidence, and now they must chase down Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis forward of them within the Premier League. Subsequent up is an away journey to face Brentford, which is an opportunity to do extra of the identical that they did in Frankfurt. If there shall be a altering of the tide for Liverpool, Ekitike may have a big half in it.
