The Merseyside derby at Anfield had all the drama, intensity, and emotion fans expect, as Liverpool edged Everton 2-1. But the headlines weren’t just about the scoreline—they were dominated by Everton’s head coach, who admitted Hugo Ekitike was the player that surprised him most.
After the match, he confessed:
“Ekitike really gave my defenders a nightmare today. It’s been a long time since I’ve faced such a relentlessly dangerous player.”
That remark quickly went viral, with Liverpool and neutral fans alike hailing Ekitike’s standout performance in a Reds shirt. Combining pace, power, and flair, the forward left Everton’s backline shaken and Anfield buzzing.
From kickoff, Ekitike was electric—driving past defenders, pressing high, and creating chances for teammates. His hold-up play, quick turns, and explosive runs constantly unsettled Everton, giving Liverpool a new attacking edge.
The defining moment came when Anfield erupted in chants of his name after a dazzling run, with even some Everton supporters applauding—a rare ovation at the home of their rivals.
For manager Arne Slot, the display justified his trust. Critics doubted if Ekitike could handle the fire of a Merseyside derby, but Slot praised his forward:
“He played like a man possessed. That’s the energy and passion we need up front.”
Social media soon echoed the praise, with fans calling Ekitike Liverpool’s “hidden weapon” in the title race and comparing him to Europe’s top strikers.
Liverpool may have taken the 2-1 win, but the true story of the derby was Hugo Ekitike’s arrival as a real force in the Premier League.
EVEN EVERTON’S AWAY FANS STOOD TO APPLAUD HIM.
