This season, Darwin Nunez has largely been occupied with fielding inquiries. One, though, was still present.
The Uruguayan was suspended for the Premier League match at Old Trafford, which was a sign of the challenging season ahead for Anfield, due to the red card he received on his Anfield debut back in August 2022.
Nunez was getting his first taste of what is undoubtedly the most brutal stage for any Reds player—they hadn’t returned till now. At least for ninety minutes, the Uruguayan player performed admirably.
After setting up an early opportunity for Mohamed Salah, his lay-off allowed Alexis Mac Allister to equalize before Andre Onana parried his effort, setting Salah up for the score. Nunez had the seasoned Raphael Varane all to himself in the second half, and Onana’s heroics only kept him from scoring.
However, Nunez’s recent injury setbacks meant he wasn’t at full condition, which was made abundantly clear during an extra-time stretch when his movement was severely restricted and his fatigued error allowed United to score a second equalizer.
Saying that to a goalie who has given up four goals in a crucial FA Cup match seems kind of strange.
However, on this particular afternoon, Caoimhin Kelleher once again demonstrated his value for such a prominent platform, as his saves during crucial moments provided Liverpool with the opportunity to secure a remarkable triumph. It wasn’t the Irishman’s fault that this opportunity was lost.
If there was one complaint, it would be that Nunez was essentially forced into the pass that resulted in United’s third goal because of his excessively hurried ball that went wide. But that is really being picky about it.
After a two-week break to process this setback, Liverpool will resume their Premier League championship defense with home matches against Sheffield United and Brighton.
The quick trip back to Old Trafford follows. Liverpool dares never commit the same errors twice.
