Nunez breaks Newcastle hearts to avoid wasting Liverpool as Klopp’s Salah worries ease
Darwin Nunez salvaged an unbelievable late win for 10-man Liverpool as they overcame a woeful first half towards Newcastle. Nunez got here off the bench to attain a exceptional brace to keep up the Reds’ unbeaten begin to the Premier League season.
Express Sport appears at 5 speaking factors from Liverpool’s victory at St. James’ Park.
Nunez saves Liverpool blushes
Just two minutes earlier than Nunez slammed residence Liverpool’s equaliser, the Uruguayan proved why some followers are shedding endurance along with his performances. A lofted ball excessive ought to have despatched the striker by way of on aim, however his poor contact noticed him crowded out by Newcastle’s defenders.
Minutes later an virtually an identical cross evidenced why Klopp continues to again his greatest enigma. Nunez splendidly pounced on a protracted cross – after getting a slice of luck and the bounce of the ball – earlier than taking a contact in the direction of aim and hammering residence by way of the put up.
After a below-par Liverpool efficiency by which there shall be a protracted debate over whether or not they even deserved a degree, Nunez saved Liverpool’s blushes. He stormed by way of on aim and completed glorious previous Nick Pope.
Salah might go away Liverpool in sizzling water
Klopp has already seen two key stars go away this summer season and shall be praying that Salah doesn’t head to the exit. The ahead has been linked with Saudi Arabia and regardless of a coy response by Klopp to studies final week, these rumours refuse to vanish. He might be a part of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson within the Middle East.
A Liverpool crew with out Salah would look particularly strange. Without a big substitute – a tough problem this late within the window – the Reds can wave goodbye to Champions League qualification for an additional yr.
While Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz present promise, they aren’t on Salah’s stage. Klopp could, in fact, hope that Nunez can attain his potential – and on this efficiency, the ex-Benfica man may be Liverpool’s match-winner in Salah’s absence if he can add consistency to his sport.
First 80 minutes show Klopp’s powerful rebuild job
Klopp’s want for a rebuild has come faster than anybody may need imagined when he led Liverpool to their first top-flight title in three a long time simply three years in the past. And it’s a far greater job than Klopp may need anticipated.
The German has by no means efficiently re-rebuilt a crew after an preliminary interval of dominance. His Mainz crew peaked in mid-table earlier than relegation to Bundesliga 2 and a failure to win fast promotion again to the top-flight.
Borussia Dortmund by no means once more toppled Bayern Munich after their successive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012. Four 80 minutes on Tyneside, Liverpool regarded like they have been travelling in the identical course as Klopp’s former golf equipment.
Despite Nunez’s brace, they continue to be as distant from Manchester City as they’ve been since their Premier League triumph in 2020. This unbelievable late turnaround shouldn’t change that reality.
Klopp wants extra from three stars of Liverpool’s peak
When you consider an elite Liverpool crew, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Andy Robertson are all key elements. But the struggles of the trio epitomise how far the Anfield outfit have fallen.
None of these three performed effectively towards Newcastle – and so they have been bailed out by the far much less skilled Nunez. Alexander-Arnold ought to have been despatched off within the first half whereas Van Dijk did certainly see purple himself. The often strong-willed Robertson misplaced his battle with Joelinton and infrequently threatened going ahead just like the Robertson of outdated.