Liverpool fans appear to have run out of patience with Darwin Nunez after another horror night in front of goal.
The Uruguayan striker endured a torrid evening at St James’ Park as the Reds blew the chance to take all three points away from home. Arne Slot decided to put his trust in the misfiring £63million frontman by handing Nunez only his sixth Premier League start this season. But his goalscoring woes continued as the ex-Benfica man once again drew a blank and spurned a host of glorious chances.
The 25-year-old ended the night with no shots on target, no chances created and the fewest touches of any outfield player in 90 minutes. After trailing 1-0 at the break, Liverpool had to rely on Mo Salah and Curtis Jones dragging them back into the game, before Fabian Schar snatched a 90th minute equaliser for Newcastle United.
But the match could have been out of sight had Nunez tucked away his opportunities as he was unable to reach Cody Gakpo’s header across goal and also scuffed the ball wide after Luis Diaz’ deflected shot fell into his path. Alarmingly, Nunez – whose final transfer fee could soar to as much as £85m – has racked up more bookings (four) than goals (three) in his 18 outings for the Reds this season.
Anfield legend Jamie Carragher reckons Nunez’s days at Liverpool could be numbered as he told The Overlap: “I never know what is going to happen with Nunez when he goes through. We said we don’t know what he is going to do so how will the defenders… nobody ever says that about a good player do they? He cost £63m with add-ons and there is no way he has got the add-ons.”
And it’s fair to say a growing army of Liverpool fans are in agreement with the former defender-turned-pundit. Reacting to last night’s display, one punter said: “Darwin Nunez delivered one of the worst performances I have ever seen from a player in a Liverpool shirt. Just tired of defending this guy.” Another hit out: “Darwin Nunez is just simply not good enough.”
This supporter made his feelings perfectly clear as he pleaded: “Hopefully Darwin Nunez never plays for Liverpool football club again.” A fourth admitted: “Darwin Nunez missed two big chances tonight. It’s not the first time he’s missed sitters that have cost us. We all want him to succeed desperately, but it’s not good enough anymore.” While another quipped: “Klopp should be brought back to the club and then SACKED for signing Darwin Nunez.”