Hugo Ekitike could do something no Liverpool player has managed for 132 years against Arsenal on Sunday
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Hugo Ekitike has made an immediate impact since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Although the Reds are pushing to sign Alexander Isak in the closing days of the summer transfer window, Ekitike has hit the ground running at Anfield.
The Frenchman was forced to endure a hostile atmosphere at St James’ Park as boos rang out whenever the former Newcastle United target touched the ball.
However, Ekitike continued his ruthless streak and doubled Liverpool’s lead seconds into the second half during the 3-2 win on Monday.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Ekitike has the chance to extend his perfect Reds record on Sunday and etch his name into the history books at Anfield if he finds the back of the net against Arsenal.
When the 22-year-old scored in his third consecutive outing for Liverpool, he achieved a feat that has not been replicated since Daniel Sturridge did so in 2013.
And now, Ekitike could be the first Reds player since John Miller in the 1892/93 campaign to score in every one of his first four outings for the club, according to stats provided by Liverpool’s official website.
It would certainly be a significant achievement for the forward, considering he has been widely touted as a backup to Isak, even though the Swede has yet to make the switch to Anfield.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
If he does, Ekitike could fill the void left by Luis Diaz and challenge Cody Gakpo for a starting berth on the left flank whilst simultaneously acting as deputy for Isak.
Nevertheless, this is purely hypothetical as things stand, and Ekitike is backed to be a huge success at Anfield, although few would have expected him to adapt to the Premier League as seamlessly as he has.
If Ekitike scores again against Arsenal, it will be difficult for Arne Slot to drop the forward for Isak, regardless of a potential British record transfer fee.
Only a handful of Liverpool supporters will be aware of Miller; he was one of the first prolific strikers to represent the Reds.
Miller scored 25 goals in 24 outings for Liverpool during his career, beginning his spell with six goals in his first four appearances.
John Miller (First Four Liverpool Appearances)GoalsBury (September 24, 1892)1Blackpool (October 1, 1892)1Nantwich (October 15, 1892)3Fleetwood Rangers (October 22, 1892)1
While it would take a catastrophic collapse from Arsenal for Ekitike to score his first Liverpool hat-trick against the Gunners and match Miller’s record, he could still equal his feat on Sunday.