Darwin Nunez sends Liverpool message after his most bonkers-ever performance
Liverpool put themselves in an extremely commanding position at the top of the Premier League after defeating Southampton at Anfield – thanks to Darwin Nunez’s most bonkers-ever display.
Arne Slot’s men overcame a small first-half scare after Will Smallbone had given the Saints a lead just before the break and were fortunate that Nunez was not sent off for a reckless tackle on the cusp of half-time.
Nunez survived Slot’s half-time reshuffle and, within eight minutes of the restart, he had scored and earned the penalty to transform the game.
Nunez levelled things up for the Reds shortly after the break before two goals from Mohamed Salah via the penalty spot rounded out a dominant 3-1 victory to wrap up the day.
Nunez received a standing ovation when Diogo Jota replaced him on 68 minutes. Núñez’s name was also chanted loudest when the players accepted their full-time applause
Liverpool now sit 16 points above Arsenal in the Premier League, and while the Gunners have played two games fewer than the Reds it is a strong position to be in after 29 games.
Salah was made to panic by his manager in the second half when Liverpool made a sixth substitute as the Egypt international feared about a potential points deduction.
The forward desperately tried to stop Slot from making the substitution without realising that Southampton had used a concussion substitution earlier in the game which granted Liverpool an extra one.
Darwin Nunez celebrated his goal
Nunez’s goal proved to be an important one in the game given the fact Liverpool were trailing at that point in time.
It was only the 28-year-old’s fifth goal of the season in the Premier League and his seventh in all competitions, as he has struggled for consistency in terms of his output.
However, the Uruguay international took to Instagram to celebrate the result by saying, “Good win, let’s keep going!”
Liverpool have made a decision on Darwin Nunez’s future
Nunez is currently under contract at Anfield until 2028, but he might not end up playing for the club beyond this season.
Slot has publicly called out Nunez’s work ethic this season, and supporters have started to wonder if his long-term future belongs at Liverpool.
Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are set to offer Nunez to Newcastle as part of a deal to sign Alexander Isak, with all the current signs pointing toward the striker leaving the club this summer.
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