After a 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Saturday in the Community Shield, Liverpool’s new striker Darwin Nunez scored a late goal on his debut to give them the upper hand in their season-long rivalry with City.
The Uruguayan, who cost Benfica an initial 75 million euros ($76.64 million), became a fan favorite right away after finishing a lively cameo off the bench and winning the season’s first trophy with a stoppage time goal.
Erling Haaland, a major close-season acquisition for English champions City, made his debut, but unlike Nunez, he struggled to mesh with his new teammates and missed multiple opportunities.
But after entering the game in the second half, Julian Alvarez, an Argentine attacker, found the goal.
In the 100th meeting of the defending league champion and FA Cup victor, Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool team the lead in the 21st minute.
Alexander-first-time Arnold’s shot curled into the far corner after Thiago Alcantara floated the ball to Mohamed Salah on the right.
Haaland, who was acquired from Borussia Dortmund, had two chances in the first half to score on his debut for City, but Pep Guardiola’s team lacked their customary fluidity.
VAR REVIEW
When Adrian parried Phil Foden’s attempt in the 70th minute and the ball spilled free, former River Plate forward Alvarez pounced to score City’s first goal since joining the team.
The goal was first disallowed for offside, but after a VAR review, the ruling was reversed. However, the technology would soon work against Guardiola’s team.
In the 83rd minute, Mohamed Salah converted the penalty to give Liverpool the lead again after referee Craig Pawson looked at the video monitor to confirm that City defender Ruben Dias had touched the ball in close proximity after a Nunez header.
Nunez then added a goal with an angled header after Andy Robertson had nodded the ball into his path to round off an entertaining outing off the bench.
When Adrian blocked Phil Foden’s shot, the blond forward blasted his shot against the bar and over, capping off a difficult debut for Haaland.
“Our season started today and it was important for us to get off on the right foot,” said Alexander-Arnold, who was full of praise for 23-year-old Nunez’s impact.
“He won the penalty, scored a goal and looked very lively. He’s been bought in to score goals and he’s proved he can do that today,” he said.
“He’s a top player, a young player who is willing to learn. He’s bonded well with the lads. He came on with a point to prove”.
