Hugo Ekitike: How Goal Celebration Could Hand Alexander Isak Start

Hugo Ekitike turned hero to villain with late goal and red card, handing Alexander Isak chance to shine for Liverpool.

On a night when Liverpool celebrated the goalscoring arrival of their record signing Alexander Isak, an unexpected moment of embarrassment left Reds fans and their manager shaking their heads. 

Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s in-form striker, went from hero to villain in the space of seconds during their 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.

Ekitike, who had replaced Isak at half-time, scored the decisive 85th-minute goal that sealed Liverpool’s progression to the fourth round. 

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The Frenchman’s finish looked to be the perfect moment to crown what had been another strong performance in his bright start to life at Anfield.

But in his euphoric celebration, Ekitike removed his shirt and held it up to the fans — a move that earned him a second yellow card and saw him sent off.

The dismissal means Ekitike will now be suspended for Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash away at Crystal Palace, a game that could have further consequences for his place in the starting XI. 

His absence comes at a time when Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £95m summer signing, is returning to full fitness and pushing for a starting role.

Slot Calls Celebration “Stupid”

Speaking after the match, manager Arne Slot did not hold back on his assessment of the situation.

"It is not [stupid] because it was his second [yellow] - it's stupid even if you haven't had a yellow card yet," he said.

"Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned but I did score a few goals - not at his level but I did - and if I went past three players and put it in the top corner then maybe you can say 'this is all about me'.

"But if I scored a goal like he did tonight, I would turn to Chiesa and say 'it's about you Federico - great assist, great run and I didn't have to do a lot'."

The manager’s frustration was clear, not least because of what the suspension now means for Liverpool’s weekend plans.

Costly Lesson for Young Striker

Ekitike took to social media shortly after the game to apologise to supporters. 

"I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match," he wrote. "The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family."

His form has been pivotal to Liverpool’s strong start to the season — three goals and an assist in five Premier League games — and his absence could be felt against a physical Crystal Palace side. 

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "For Ekitike to get a second yellow card for that [taking his shirt off] is just sheer stupidity."

Now many analysts argue that with Isak likely to be handed a start, Ekitike may find it harder to win his place back if the Swede impresses.