Darwin Nunez struck twice in 13 minutes to stage an extraordinary comeback to give Liverpool a 2-1 win at Newcastle United as their unbeaten start to the season continued in the Premier League.
Newcastle dominated after Anthony Gordon’s 25th-minute opener – a foul on Trent Alexander-Arnold – and the dismissal of Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk for a foul on Alexander Isak in the 28th minute.
The visitors’ goalkeeper Alisson produced a spectacular save to turn Miguel Almiron’s fierce strike onto the woodwork soon after the hosts had gone in front, and the Paraguayan striker also hit the post in the second half when Liverpool missed Van Dijk’s shot in the 53rd minute. departure
That changed when Nunez, who had arrived four minutes earlier, collected a rebound from Sven Botman, charged into the penalty area and with nine minutes left Nick Pope fired a fierce and accurate shot onto the post.
More unlikely drama ensued when Bruno Guimaraes gave the ball away, Mohamed Salah slotted Nunez’s incisive pass past Dan Burn and the striker fired another ruthless goal past Pope to set up a pulsating, at times chaotic game in three minutes of added time. Van Dijk was furious with referee John Brooks when he issued the Netherlands international with the second red card of his Premier League career. He protested that he did not foul Isak in an incident that added to Liverpool’s misery at the back.
Gordon gave Alexander-Arnold a difficult afternoon, teasing the right-back with his blind runs either side of the bombardment as his marker let a routine pass curl under his feet to give the former Everton man a clear shot on goal.
Gordon was clearly told to continue testing the booked Alexander-Arnold after the break. Gordon was one of many Newcastle players to lose places before Nunez was introduced. Almiron also flashed his goal over the bar when he had enough space in the penalty area.
Substitute half-back Sean Longstaff could have restored Newcastle’s lead but Alisson’s reflexes meant VAR denied Eddie Howe’s side a penalty when Alexander Isak was brought down and Andrew Robertson had a second-half save with his back.
Liverpool are back in action next Sunday when they host an Aston Villa side who have made it two wins in a row following Newcastle’s defeat at Burnley earlier in the day. Newcastle will be looking to bounce back from their second defeat of the season when they visit Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
1st half 2nd half Final scores Newcastle101Anthony Gordon (25)Liverpool022Darwin Nunez (81, 90 3)
Starting lineups:
Liverpool: Alisson (GK) – Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson – Endo, Mac Allister Szoboszlai – Luis Diaz, Gakpo, Salah
Nunez goals save Liverpool against Newcastle
The owners of the Premier League side’s current longest unbeaten run looked set to face a major challenge at St James’ Park, where they were warned of early trouble when Alexander-Arnold was cautioned for throwing the ball. off after a pointed challenge from Gordon and was threatened with sending off soon after for another indiscretion.
Just like eight days earlier against Bournemouth, Liverpool went behind early, but Newcastle looked much better to win the game and end Liverpool’s 13-game, nine-match losing streak since December 2015.
“We didn’t start the game well,” admitted Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports after being frustrated throughout most of the proceedings and perhaps finding himself as surprised as anyone on the pitch after Liverpool’s celebrations.
– At half time, there was a feeling that something was possible. With ten men, I have never had anything like it in the history of Newcastle. In this stadium, in this atmosphere, it’s crazy.”
Predictably, Howe felt Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk should have been sent off in the first half, while Klopp claimed Van Dijk did not make “active contact” with Isak for a foul that would have earned the captain a one-match ban.
It will be easier for Liverpool to weigh those arguments, as Nunez has shown the kind of complete accuracy he sometimes lacked in his debut season in England.
“It’s clear he’s not happy,” Klopp said of Nunez’s starting place on the bench, calling the Uruguayan striker’s performance “superior”. – He’s playing, no doubt about it. We need everyone. We have to find a way to play. This is a new team with new key players. It takes time.
– He scores two goals and can’t get a smile off his face. It was very important for the team. You need these things together. You can’t force it. I enjoyed it last minute.”
Newcastle are “kicking themselves” after a rare home defeat.
Liverpool are the only team Newcastle have lost against at home since the end of 2021, apart from Arsenal in May – and Howe’s men were clearly keen to avenge February’s defeat when they were 2-0 down when Pope was sent off. . away in the first half.
There was much to enjoy in Newcastle’s display and their optimism would have been boosted by their record of winning all 13 of their previous matches when they led at half-time, most recently in a 2-1 loss to Liverpool. in August 2022. Despite the chances in the second half, the opposition offered little in return and seemed to have few answers to the clever, free-flowing attacks orchestrated by Gordon, Isak and their support.
Callum Wilson had averaged a goal every 56 minutes in his previous seven games at St James’ Park, so Isak’s introduction with 19 minutes remaining appeared to have been done in anticipation of the in-form striker’s sixth goal. from the bench in that order.
Instead, Nunez stole the show. “We should have put the game to sleep and that’s probably the thing
