News

Liverpool fans think they know why Hugo Ekitike’s form has plummeted after Man City stinker

Add as preferred source on Google

Hugo Ekitike has not scored in his last five Premier League games.

The Reds’ form seems to be constantly dipping up and down at the moment, although it appears to mostly be down after losing for the fourth time in their last five league outings.

Individual performances have been a little worrying, and despite flying out of the blocks at the start of the season, Ekitike has been struggling as of late.

Although he always works hard and shows flashes of brilliance, his goals have dried up, with this a big factor in why Liverpool keep losing games.

Reds fans reckon they know why this is the case as well, with it perhaps being a little bit of a worry.

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at Frankfurt Stadion.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

Hugo Ekitike has got comfortable with having no competition

Having Alexander Isak behind you waiting for his chance should be enough to raise the level of any player, but the Swede’s injury may not have just impacted himself.

Ekitike has known that he is the out-and-out striker in his absence, with this perhaps enough for him to take the foot off the gas, or at least that is what some fans seem to think.

One supporter wrote on X: “Ekitike since that Southampton red card btw…worrying,” while another replied: “In my opinion, he has been poor since Isak got injured. Like he doesn’t feel he has competition anymore. I think Isak can easily take his spot when he is fully fit.”

A third supporter wrote: “Somehow going under the radar. If that was Isak the narrative would be a lot different.”

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate’s performance for Liverpool vs Man City has just proven Jamie Carragher absolutely right

Another fan, however, was quick to jump to Ekitike’s defence saying: “The entire squad is worrying, bar Szoboszlai.”

A fifth fan agreed and believes it is not the Frenchman’s fault, writing: “They don’t even pass to him. That’s what’s even more concerning.”

Another supporter, though, thinks that Isak is the better option, writing: “Been beyond bad since Alex got injured. Alex has to start every game after the internationals.”

A seventh added: “He’s been fine. Only him and Szoboszlai have been at it for most of the season,’ while a final fan also defended Ekitike, saying: “He was excellent against Madrid. Dragging them all over the place.”

Hugo Ekitike needs more help

One thing that fans will love about Ekitike is that he simply does not stop working, with this evident even when he has barely been involved in games as of late.

However, one thing he does need, as many of the Liverpool supporters have pointed out, is help from those around him.

He is often isolated and does not get given the ball very much at all, something that is a big difference compared to the start of the season.

Saying that Ekitike has got comfortable since Isak’s injury may be a little harsh given how hard he still works, although it will still be interesting to see how both react after the international break.