Hugo Ekitike's subtle reaction after Arsenal vs Man City draw as Liverpool handed title boost

Liverpool ace Hugo Ekitike took to social media in the wake of Arsenal'sfailure to overcome Manchester City in a crucial early-season clash. The Reds have kicked off their Premier League defence in style.

Their2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby saw them maintain their 100% start to the campaign in all competitions. The north Londoners' draw with City left them five points behind the Merseysiders, while Pep Guardiola's side trail Arne Slot's team by eight points.

Ekitike has been instrumental in Liverpool's winning streak, netting three times and contributing one assist in his first five appearances since hishigh-profile £79million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt over the summer.

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Throughout the early stages of his Liverpool tenure, the 23-year-old has been directly compared with£125m British-record signing Alexander Isak, who could soon take his place in the team.

However, he maintained his impressive start on Saturday, scoring Liverpool's second goal at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Erling Haaland's first-half goal was nullified in injury time by Gabriel Martinelli, resulting in a 1-1 draw between Arsenal and City on Sunday. Consequently, both teams lost ground on Liverpool, who face Crystal Palace next week.

Shortly after the final whistle, Ekitike took to social media and uploaded a pre-match picture with Ryan Gravenberch, following his opening goal in the Merseyside derby. The pair high five in the picture – perhaps hinting at a nod to celebrating an ideal result from the Arsenal and City clash.

After the Merseyside derby the day before, Ekitike said: "Very good feeling, we knew it was going to be a tough game. We had to fight until the last minute, I feel proud, it was a good test for me.

"So yeah to score my goal and win at the end, you can be proud and happy for the team. We just have to keep going. We made good movement.

"I saw Ryan, had space in behind and took it. I was a bit lucky because it went through the goalkeepers legs but it was good."

On the competition for places with Isak, he replied: "He's a very, very good player, I always watched him before I came here.

"For me, him being here is good, I can learn, improve and it's competition but I know we're going to play together, make the difference.

"One day I hope we can share a pitch. It's good [to play with him], it's the coach's problem [to pick the squad], me? I just do my job, so it's good."

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