Liverpool halt losing run with resounding victory over Eintracht Frankfurt

Liverpool snapped a four match losing sequence with a commanding 5-1 triumph against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, featuring Hugo Ekitike netting against his old team for the Premier League title holders.

Following Ekitike's equaliser for Liverpool, goals came from Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, the last pair set up by Florian Wirtz on his comeback to Germany.

Heading into Wednesdays fixture, Liverpool faced their longest skid in 73 years, back to the 1953-54 campaign when they dropped out of the top division.

"We are Liverpool, and winning a football match does not mean we party all night, yet I am glad we secured the points," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot to DAZN.

The Dutch coach left out struggling Mohamed Salah, and for the fifth game running, Liverpool went behind early as Rasmus Kristensen struck on the break.

However, the Merseysiders quickly found their rhythm, netting three times in under 10 minutes to lead 3-1 by the break.

Wirtz, who had yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League or Champions League after his expensive move to Anfield, provided second half strikes for Gakpo and Szoboszlai to seal the deal.

Though Wirtz ended his dry spell, Alexander Isak was once more replaced at half time by Federico Chiesa.

"He needed to come off at the interval after sensing a twinge in his groin," Slot explained to TNT Sports regarding Isaks exit.

"It is unfortunate. I have noted several times how tricky it is to manage a player absent for three months."

This result boosts Liverpools morale greatly, though Arne Slots team will encounter tougher opposition than Frankfurt, who have shipped 23 goals across their last six outings.

"We recognise the talent in our squad, all top tier players," Wirtz commented. "Our start was poor, but we united and flipped the game."

"I am capable of far more," Wirtz continued about his assists. "I am content with the victory and finally contributing some goals."

Liverpool storm back

At the 26 minute mark, Nathaniel Brown stole the ball from Wirtz before Frankfurt surged forward, with Mario Goetze picking out Kristensen, who switched to his stronger right boot and blasted in the first goal.

Frankfurt sought a second on 35 minutes, but Andy Robertson regained control and delivered an excellent long ball from defence to Ekitike in stride.

The ex Frankfurt striker took the ball, moved towards goal and chipped it past Michael Zetterer, then lifted his hands in apology to the supporters.

"Scoring was essential," grinned Ekitike on his homecoming. "It felt amazing and was truly memorable to return this way."

The strike defied the flow of play, yet it sparked Liverpool into action.

The visitors doubled their advantage just four minutes on, as Van Dijk muscled beyond his marker, the lightweight winger Ansgar Knauff, to nod home a Cody Gakpo corner.

A minute shy of half time, Van Dijks defensive colleague Konate mirrored the feat, shrugging off Knauff to convert another corner.

Wirtz showed inconsistency early but grew confident as Liverpool pressed ahead.

The German playmaker assisted Gakpo's fourth with a precise pass across the box in the 66th minute.

Szoboszlai then capped the performance for Slots outfit, taking a pass from Wirtz and rifling a long range shot with 20 minutes left.

"We began strongly, scored first, but at this elite level, you must stay sharp for the full 90. It stings," remarked 2014 World Cup victor Goetze.