Liverpool number nine Darwin Nunez silenced his critics with another game-changing performance against Southampton during the 3-1 victory at Anfield. Nunez scored a goal and earned a penalty in quick succession to provide an emphatic comeback win for the Reds.
The Reds have secured a 16-point lead over second-placed Arsenal after their victory against the Saints at home on Saturday. Liverpool have played two more games than the Gunners, but they only have nine games remaining in the Premier League.
Liverpool started the game strongly against the Saints, but Southampton ended up with a goal advantage in the first half. They started the second half with more conviction and immediately started their comeback after a dazzling run from Luis Diaz.
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez celebrates his goal against Southampton during the 3-1 comeback victory.
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez celebrates his goal against Southampton during the 3-1 comeback victory.
Nunez provided a clinical finish from Diaz’s fantastic assist in the 51st minute and immediately won Liverpool a 53rd-minute penalty. Legendary forward Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty and later added another goal from a late second penalty against Southampton.
According to Fotmob, Nunez secured an 8.4 rating during his goal-scoring performance, along with earning the penalty. The 25-year-old secured a 93% passing accuracy from 15 passes, creating one big chance during the game.
Nunez had 25 touches with six inside the opposition box while winning three out of eight duels. The Uruguayan international also enjoyed 100% tackles with two clearances, one interception, seven defensive actions and three recoveries. Furthermore, Nunez also made one clearance through his head and won a foul while committing three fouls of his own.
The 25-year-old’s performance highlights that he remains a key part of the Reds squad despite all the criticisms. Social media has always capitalized on the chance to condemn the Uruguayan with British media stroking the fire.
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Nunez received similar criticism after missing a big chance against Aston Villa, but Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has continuously backed the forward. However, Slot did criticise him for dropping his famous work-ethic, an issue Nunez has not repeated.