Liverpool star Darwin Nunez salvaged a victory for the Reds against Newcastle.
Darwin Nunez salvaged a surprisingly late win for Liverpool at 10 as they weathered a dismal first half against Newcastle. Nunez came on from the bench to score a remarkable brace
Express Sport looks at five takeaways from Liverpool’s win at St. James’ Park.
Just two minutes before Nunez equalized for Liverpool, the Uruguayan demonstrated why some fans were losing patience with the performance. An overhandled ball should have sent the striker straight into goal, but his poor touch resulted in him being pushed off by the Newcastle defenders.
A few minutes later, an almost identical pass had a contrasting effect. Nunez makes a great long pass, hits the goal and goes wide of the post.
After a lackluster performance against Liverpool where there will be a protracted debate over whether they deserved a point, Nunez saved Liverpool’s blush. He broke into goal and finished brilliantly against Nick Pope.
Salah could leave Liverpool in hot water
Klopp has seen two key stars leave this summer and will be praying that Salah doesn’t leave. The striker has been linked with Saudi Arabia and despite Klopp’s half-baked response to last week’s reports, those rumors have refused to go away.
A Liverpool team without Salah would look especially normal. Without a meaningful replacement – a tough test at the end of this transfer window – the Red Devils could have to bid farewell to the Champions League for another year.
If Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Nunez show promise, they are not at Salah’s level. They wouldn’t be able to get the club back on track without the Egyptians.
There is growing consensus that Virgil van Dijk’s power has diminished significantly. Sent off for the first time in his Liverpool career for a rough kick on Alexander Isak in last place, a mistake Van Dijk wouldn’t have made just 18 months ago.
It’s not just fans who think so. Sky commentator Gary Neville commented:
“The Van Dijk of a few seasons ago wouldn’t be up to that challenge.”
It shows how Van Dijk has struggled in recent times. The Dutchman at his peak won’t be transformed by Isak so easily – he’ll be in the perfect position to stop the striker from breaking through goal. If Klopp succeeds in rebuilding Liverpool, finding a long-term replacement for Van Dijk will be one of his key tasks. The 32-year-old appears to be nearing the end of his career as an elite defender.
