Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday night as the reigning champions thrashed Newcastle United 4-1 at the Anfield Stadium.

It was a brilliant result for Liverpool in their pursuit for Champion League football next season following last week’s 3-2 loss to Bournemouth.

Anthony Gordon put Newcastle ahead in the 36th minute when he sent a low shot past goalkeeper Alisson Becker. 

However, two goals in quick succession by Hugo Ekitike erased the visitors’ advantage to immediately shift the tide the other day. He scored his first in the 41st minute, tapping a pass from Florian Wirtz into the net from close range.

The France international got his brace less than 60 seconds later after he used his outside boot to put the ball under goalkeeper Nick Pope who was aiming at a save.

Wirtz made it 3-1 for Liverpool in the 67th minute, curling home an assist from Mohamed Salah before Ibrahima Konate completed the victory for the Reds from an easy effort into an open net.

The result moved Liverpool up to fifth on the table on 39 points, one ahead of Manchester United, which can leap into fourth if they beat Fulham on Sunday.