Liverpool are off and running after claiming their first trophy of the 22/23 season, they beat Manchester City to the FA Community Shield.
All eyes were fixed on Erling Haaland as he made his City debut, but it was Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who came out firing.
Trent Alexander Arnold’s deflected shot gave the Reds a 1-0 lead at half time.
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In the second half, Klopp subbed on his new big money signing Darwin Nunez, and he went on to change the game as he showed fans what he is capable of.
City found an equaliser in the 70th minute courtesy of Julian Alvarez.
Nunez then won a penalty for Liverpool after his header hit City defender Ruben Dias’ arm, Mohamed Salah scored the resulting spot kick.
The win was eventually sealed after Nunez’s clever diving header gave Liverpool an unassailable 3-1 lead in stoppage time.
Despite a slow start to his Liverpool career during pre season, Nunez stepped up in the first ‘competitive’ game of the season.
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Fans were quick to compile his highlights against the Premier League champions, and the footage has now emerge.
He caused havoc for the City back line with his superb movement and physical presence. He worked tirelessly in order to make space for himself and his team mates.
Although he scored the third goal, he would be disappointed to not have scored more. He had a one on one chance after a beautiful through ball by captain Jordan Henderson, but City keeper Ederson was quick off his line to make a crucial save.
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After the match, Alexander Arnold was asked about Nunez's performance, the defender heaped praise on the striker.
He said: "He won the penalty, scored the goal, had a one-on-one. He looks lively, very lively, he’s someone who’s been brought into score goals and he’s proved he can do that today.
"He's a top player, young player, you can tell he’s come in to learn, he’s bonded with the lads, everyone’s got on well with him.
"He’s come in, worked hard, got his head down so far and knows his position is not just going to be there because we bought him this summer, he’s got to earn it and he’s come on with a point to prove and scored the goal to clinch it and won the penalty also."
Liverpool fans will be hoping Nunez can continue to put in similar performances week in week out, the pressure will be on the young Uruguayan as he is tasked with replacing Sadio Mane, who left Anfield for Bayern Munich this summer.
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Huge shoes to fill for sure, but one thing is also certain, Nunez will be a star for Liverpool in years to come.
Nunez now has a chance to make his home debut as Liverpool take on Strasbourg at Anfield on Sunday evening. They will then get their Premier League season underway at Craven Cottage against Fulham on August 6.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@LuisDiazzlerTopics: Darwin Nunez, Liverpool, Manchester City, Community Shield
