The Merseyside derby at Anfield ended with all the usual drama and intensity as Liverpool edged Everton 2-1, but the spotlight fell firmly on Hugo Ekitike — the forward who left everyone talking after a sensational display.
After the match, the Everton head coach admitted Ekitike had stunned his defense:
“He really gave my defenders a tough time today. It has been quite a long time since I encountered such a dangerously aggressive player like him.”
That candid statement went viral almost instantly, with both Liverpool and neutral fans hailing Ekitike for producing one of his finest performances in red.
From the opening whistle, he was relentless — bulldozing past defenders, pressing with intensity, and creating constant problems for Everton’s back line. His hold-up play, quick turns, and fearless runs injected a fresh spark into Liverpool’s attack.
The defining moment came when his name rang out around Anfield after a dazzling passage of play. Remarkably, even sections of the Everton away support were seen applauding his efforts — a rare moment of respect that underlined the scale of his impact.
For Liverpool boss Arne Slot, it was proof of belief rewarded:
“He played like a man possessed. That’s the kind of energy and passion we want in our attack.”
On social media, supporters have dubbed Ekitike Liverpool’s “secret weapon,” with some comparing his style to Europe’s most feared strikers. Many now see him as a player who has well and truly arrived on the Premier League stage.
The scoreboard may have read Liverpool 2-1 Everton, but the real story of the derby was the rise of Hugo Ekitike — a forward who turned a fierce rivalry into his personal statement of intent.
Even the away fans stood to applaud.
