ReactionHugo Ekitike: I knew how important the derby was to the fans
Hugo Ekitike knew the importance of the Merseyside derby to supporters – and so was especially pleased to help secure the win on Saturday.
The summer signing got his first taste of fixtures against Everton as Liverpool played host to a 247th meeting with their neighbours in the Premier League at Anfield.
And Ekitike marked the occasion with a clinical low finish to make it 2-0 for his side in the first half, following up a brilliant opener produced by Ryan Gravenberch.
Idrissa Gana Gueye’s goal brought the Blues back into it prior to the hour mark but Arne Slot’s side held firm to preserve a 2-1 result.
“Top. Top, top,” Ekitike told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.
“Obviously I knew that game was really important for the fans, so a win today was important. I felt the stadium and the crowd was very loud today.
“It’s a very proud feeling, happy feeling. We just have to keep going.
“[It] was a good first half. When they came back, it was a bit difficult with the 2-1. But we just kept the right mentality until the end and I think that’s what made the difference at the end.”
Ekitike’s cool strike from Gravenberch’s assist was his fourth goal since arriving at the club from Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of 2025-26.
The No.22 was satisfied to have made another significant contribution for the champions.
“It’s really good,” he said. “I want to score every game, if you ask me. The last game I didn’t score but I always try to find a way to make the difference.
“It can be a goal, an assist, a run to create space for another player. It’s good.
“At the end, the most important [thing] is the team and it’s the three points today.”
His early-season form has quickly endeared Ekitike to the Anfield faithful and his own fan chant rang out multiple times again during the derby.
Indeed, the France international was basking in the support after the final whistle as he showed his appreciation to Kopites.
“It’s top, honestly I really like it. I said, every time I want it more loud,” said the forward. “So, I will try to keep scoring for the fans.”
For Liverpool collectively, it is now five wins out of five in the Premier League alongside the 3-2 defeat of Atletico Madrid in midweek to begin the Champions League.
But Ekitike is not getting carried away, with so much football ahead in the campaign.
He added: “Football is moments, we can be happy today until tomorrow and when we wake up we have to go again.
“We have on Tuesday a cup game and we just have to focus and keep going. Our schedule is busy, we just have games and we have to reach goals all the time.”