Darwin Nunez exhibited a remarkable performance coming off the substitutes’ bench, netting two goals in the final 10 minutes to orchestrate a stunning turnaround for 10-man Liverpool against Newcastle, clinching a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
The match took an unexpected turn as Anthony Gordon capitalized on a mistake by Trent Alexander-Arnold, securing the lead for the Magpies. The game dynamics shifted further when Virgil van Dijk received a red card for a challenge on Alexander Isak before the half-hour mark.
Despite having a numerical advantage, Newcastle couldn’t capitalize on it, leaving them vulnerable to the striking prowess of Darwin Nunez. In a display of brilliance rarely seen in his Liverpool career, Nunez single-handedly altered the course of the game.
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, commented, “In my extensive managerial career spanning 1,000 games, I’ve never encountered a situation like this with 10 men. The electrifying atmosphere here at Newcastle’s stadium makes it all the more astounding.”
Having acquired Nunez for a record-breaking £85 million ($107 million) just a little over a year ago, Liverpool had entrusted him with the role of preferred number nine, but he found himself in competition with Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo early in the season.
Introduced as a substitute with 13 minutes remaining, Nunez seized the opportunity, penetrating the Newcastle defense on two occasions and demonstrating remarkable composure to dispatch two low, powerful shots past Nick Pope.
This triumph keeps Liverpool within a close two-point range of table-toppers Manchester City, serving as an early testament to their aspirations for the season, especially after Newcastle had surpassed them last season to secure a spot in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle, lamented, “We should have sealed the victory, and that missed opportunity is what we’re currently regretting.”
