Nunez ended Salah's 64th-minute equalizer with a stunning flick as Liverpool drew 2-2 with newcomers Fulham in the inaugural 2022-23 EPL last night. - AFP photo
Some fans felt Darwin Nunez's second-half performance was the "only positive" as Liverpool drew 2-2 with newcomers Fulham in the inaugural 2022-23 Premier League (EPL) last night.
It was clear that the inclusion of Nunez, a young Uruguayan striker who also impressed in Community Shield action against Manchester City, could be a game-changer and his agility enhanced Mohamed Salah's touch even more.
You are efficient he ended Salah's equalizer in the 64th minute with a superb strike before his volley equalized for Salah 10 minutes from time to save the Reds from a rather embarrassing defeat. Fulham, who won the Champions League in style last season, threatened to spoil Liverpool's miserable afternoon when top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice with a header and a penalty to give the Cottagers a double lead.
Manager Juergen Klopp's move to drop Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino in the starting line-up alongside Salah and Luis Diaz just as the Community Shield got under way was seen as inappropriate and completely unpopular with the Merseyside fans.
The midfielder produced a superb pull pass for the Reds' first equalizer and gave Liverpool more creativity in midfield. Jordan Henderson's effort hit the crossbar in stoppage time but the Reds were unable to win in the end.
They had previously won four consecutive opening games of the season but Marco Silva's men broke the record and almost shocked their opponents, especially when Neeskens Kebano hit the crossbar in the second half.
Obviously, it wasn't the start to the season that Klopp wanted. Progress at Anfield is needed in eight days. "This is just the beginning. Come on LFC!" wrote Nunez, the young Uruguayan star who made a £64 million (RM347 million) move from Benfica this summer, on Twitter shortly after the match at Craven Cottage.
