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Hugo Ekitike once again found the back of the net as Liverpool clinched a dramatic victory over Newcastle, earning high praise from fellow Frenchman and Premier League legend Thierry Henry.
Ekitike is among several new faces in Arne Slot's squad, having been part of a $400 million spending spree during this summer's transfer window. Just three matches into the 2025/26 season, he has already made a significant impact at his new club, Liverpool.
In his debut match in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, the 23-year-old demonstrated his prowess just four minutes in, expertly finding the far bottom corner from outside the 18-yard box. His scoring streak continued in his first Premier League match at Anfield against Bournemouth.
Although the ball may have fortuitously landed in his path against the Cherries, Ekitike coolly finished one-on-one against the goalkeeper.
The forward was on target yet again as Liverpool triumphed 3-2 over Newcastle at St. James' Park. Following a blocked attempt by Cody Gakpo, Ekitike kept his composure to slot past Nick Pope using the goal frame, doubling the visitors' lead just 22 seconds into the second half.
As per Opta, Ekitike became only the 10th player to score in each of his first three appearances for Liverpool, and only the second to achieve this feat in the last 50 years. The previous player to do so was Daniel Sturridge in January 2013.
Liverpool's victory was sealed by Rio Ngumoha, who came to the rescue in stoppage time, just days shy of his 17th birthday.
Analysing his fellow countryman Ekitike's performance for Sky Sports, Henry said: "The way he finished was outstanding.
"In France, he was outstanding. I've said, when he went to Paris Saint-Germain, when you have to play in front of Neymar, (Lionel) Messi, and (Kylian) Mbappe, you're obviously going to be on the bench, unfortunately for him.
"That's a hell of a finish, and that's three games, three goals."
Liverpool legend and co-pundit Jamie Carragher also praised the new signing's composure in each of his finishes since joining the Reds.
"Yes, and what I like about it is you know sometimes when there is a ricochet before you shoot, also the one he scored at Anfield where he kept the ball? He kept his composure," Henry said.
"Although there was luck in the build-up, he kept his composure, aim, and finish.
"This is how he does finish, and hopefully for you, he can do more than that."
Ekitike will find out this week whether his impressive early form with Liverpool has earned him his first-ever call-up to Didier Deschamps' senior France squad.
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