Hugo Ekitike was Liverpool’s match-winner once again on Saturday after leaping high above Cristian Romero to score against Tottenham.
It was another brilliant moment for the Frenchman, who made it five goals in his last three Premier League appearances.
There was some controversy surrounding the header, with Romero strongly arguing that he was fouled by Ekitike.
Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?
Referee John Brooks disagreed, as did the VAR, and Ekitike celebrated his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
The incident appeared to trigger an anger in the already combustible Romero, who was later sent off for a needless kick on Ibrahima Konate. Quizzed about whether he felt his goal should have stood after the game, Liverpool‘s No. 22 argued that he simply dealt with the ball in better than the Spurs captain.
Hugo Ekitike shows no sympathy for Cristian Romero
There will be split opinions on whether Ekitike’s goal should have stood. If you’re a Spurs fan, it was probably a robbery. Liverpool supporters will see it differently.
As for Ekitike himself, he admitted that he had been a little lucky with the goal, but also insisted there was no foul to speak of.
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“It’s part for the game. he is a defender, I’m a striker,” the 23-year-old told BBC Sport.
“I judged the cross better than he did and I took the ball. That is why I scored. That is his opinion, my opinion is that it was a great cross, a lucky header, but I did the right thing.”
Romero clearly felt differently, and this will likely not be the last we’ve heard of this in the coming days.
Phew! Three points, but a really, really poor display. What are your takeaways?
Ekitike shows his relief at full-time
Despite a big win in North London, Liverpool clearly have some serious issues still to contend with.
One of the biggest problems has been a lack of spine within the team when things start going against them.
However, in Ekitike, Liverpool have a player who does stand up to be counted when the going gets tough.
The France international is no soft touch, and showed plenty of character in his celebration both after his goal and on the pitch at full-time.
While some of his teammates looked shellshocked at the final whistle, Ekitike looked overjoyed, celebrating with the Liverpool supporters and lapping in the adulation coming his way. He is some player, and after scoring headers in consecutive games, it is great to see him putting his big frame to good use.