Liverpool makes mockery of Arne Slot criticism as UK media reacts to Newcastle win

Liverpool came from behind to beat Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield with Hugo Ekitike scoring twice as national media defend Arne Slot from critics

Hugo Ekitike celebrates with Florian Wirtz(Image: Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Another stride in the correct direction. Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory of the calendar year when they fought back to demolish Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield on Saturday evening.

Following Anthony Gordon's opener for the visitors in the first half, a rapid double from Hugo Ekitike just before the interval gave the Reds command before Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate found the net in the second period.

It proved to be an ultimately satisfying evening as the Reds boosted their hopes of finishing in the Champions League places with a comprehensive victory. Here is how the UK media reacted to a rampant display from Arne Slot's men.

Paul Joyce - The Times

"Liverpool had always been Ekitike's first choice despite Newcastle's efforts to lure him from Eintracht Frankfurt. It will be little consolation to Howe that he clearly knows a player.

"This was the first time since the opening day of season that Liverpool scored more than three goals in a league game at home and, once they got to grips with opponents who were shorn of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, some of their attacking play was a delight.

"A cry of 'Champions, Champions, Champions' echoed at the close. The Kop will not be able to sing that too much longer, but it served to show this was an overdue good night."

Andy Hunter - The Guardian

"Pain arrived in different guises for Newcastle. Dominant for 40 minutes and rightfully in front through Anthony Gordon, the visitors found themselves trailing at half-time courtesy of a rapid double from the player they attempted to recruit from Eintracht Frankfurt. Liverpool swooped for Ekitike instead and itis proving to be an astute investment.

"This represented the consistency that Arne Slot has been seeking. Following the 6-0 demolition of Qarabag in midweek, another commanding and emphatic victory demonstrated his calls for improvement in both penalty areas are resonating with his squad.

"This marked the first occasion Liverpool had recovered from a deficit to triumph in the Premier League at Anfield since clinching the title against Tottenham last season."

Ibrahima Konate celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)

Craig Hope - Daily Mail

"For Arne Slot, this victory represented his team's maiden comeback triumph this season and was sealed by Florian Wirtz's sixth strike in 10 appearances during the second period. Isak may remain confined to the stands, but his fellow summer acquisitions hold the key to unlocking Liverpool's season.

"Slot and Howe have found themselves on similar ground recently - inconsistent results aside - facing a vocal minority of supporters, equipped with keyboards rather than persuasive arguments, demanding managerial changes.

"In Slot's case, that view lacks appreciation for the triumph of last season and empathy for the trauma of the summer and the death of Diogo Jota. He deserves time - this season, at least - to process both emotions and new personnel."

Richard Jolly - Independent

"With a predictability that was nevertheless devastating, Ekitike condemned his former suitors to defeat. In a fixture that tends to deliver drama, he was the leading man. A two-minute brace earned Liverpool a first league victory of 2026.

"Even in the continued absence of Isak, condemned to the role of a spectator in an oversized club coat, it became a triumph of Liverpool's recruitment. Milos Kerkez supplied the pass for Ekitike's second. Florian Wirtz ended with an assist and a goal. His partnership with the striker is increasingly mouth-watering and the duo orchestrated a turnaround.

"It means that Liverpool return to the top five. For all the vitriol directed online at Arne Slot, Liverpool have only lost once in their last 16 matches. They also addressed one criticism. They had only taken two points from losing positions in the Premier League all season. Three came in a night; in the space of a couple of minutes, really."