Liverpool’s £85million summer signing came off the bench with his side 1-0 down before leveling the scores and setting up Mohamed Salah for the Reds’ second equaliser. Apart from Nunez’s performance, it was an otherwise impressive display from Liverpool, who have now failed to beat Fulham in their last three league meetings. Here’s how the media rated Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage.
Nunez saved the day, now they have to trust him all over again
The Echo’s Ian Doyle believes Jurgen Klopp should release Nunez from the off sooner rather than later. “A goal and an assist – sort of – both, Nunez couldn’t have done more off the bench in his first two games. Firmino’s starting position already looks precarious. “Liverpool were not prepared for the afternoon. But as Klopp said before the game, Nunez is ready for the Premier League. The Reds can’t keep him on the bench for much longer.” GOAL’s Neil Jones believes the Uruguayan still has some adjustments to make, but his potential is there for all to see. “His ability to create chaos in and around the penalty area is already clear. “He can settle himself, sure, and he’ll need time to read the movements and tendencies of his teammates, but Nunez’s potential is huge. “Liverpool needed him here.” Miguel Delaney of the Independent pointed out how the introduction of Nunez also brought joy to Salah. “Unlike Firmino who often disappears and appears in space, Nunez offered a gravitas all his own. “He pulled the ball every time, but also three Fulham defenders. That had the multiplier effect of Salah’s release, from which the equalizer came.” There was also praise from a Match of the Day presenter who has no doubt the Uruguayan will score plenty of goals for the Reds. Darwin Nunez equalizes for @lfc. Pretty clear, from that goal alone, that he’s going to score loads. The movement of a scorer. — Gary Lineker ?? (@GaryLineker) August 6, 2022
More injuries and ‘misbehaviour’ – It wasn’t the start Liverpool wanted
Jones also joined Liverpool’s ever-growing injury list, with Thiago the latest to pick up trouble on Saturday. “Another game, another injury. That’s a top 10 player on the sidelines for Liverpool now, with Thiago Alcantara the latest to drop. “Klopp’s squad, when everyone is available, is extremely strong, but at the moment it looks very thin, which does not bode well for such a grueling campaign.” The Echo’s Paul Gorst highlights Klopp’s post-match comments suggesting the players’ attitude was ‘wrong’ “The Reds were nowhere near their collective best in the capital as Marco Silva’s Championship winners showed what they are about with a performance full of heart and desire that dragged Liverpool into the kind of dogfight they are usually so adept at avoiding . “When the manager questions the fit of this group of players, it’s a huge sign that things haven’t gone according to plan.” The Guardian’s Sachin Nakrani believes it may be time to trust Harvey Elliott back into the starting line-up. Liverpool are short of midfielders with Thiago injured. On the plus side, Harvey Elliott looks set to replace him in the starting line-up. Really smart and creative use of the ball from him again today. He could very well pick up where he left off this time last year, pre-injury. — Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) August 6, 2022 The Telegraph’s Sam Dean rightly gives some credit to Fulham, who were a tough nut to crack throughout. “The first game of the season is not the time to jump to conclusions, but there were two obvious lessons here. “The first is that Marco Silva’s Fulham look set to fight for survival this season as they look to avoid another relegation in May. “The second is that Liverpool have not hit the ground running: they were far from their best, especially in a miserable first half.”
