Liverpool beat Bournemouth 3-0 at Anfield as the stats show the importance of forward Darwin Nunez despite his wonder goal. Bournemouth made life uncomfortable for the Reds throughout the game but the first-half goals allowed the host a healthy victory.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz scored two quick goals in the 26th and 28th minutes to continue his fine goalscoring form. Ibrahima Konate earned a fantastic assist for the first goal followed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s playmaking display for the second goal.
Nunez played ahead of Diogo Jota in the starting eleven with something to prove in his first start this season. Jota started for Liverpool in the first five games in all competitions ahead of the Uruguayan, raising concerns among fans.
The media and the social media relentlessly assumed that Nunez was already not part of Arne Slot’s plan at Liverpool. The 25-year-old has faced a hate-filled narrative since joining Liverpool and they escalated during the later stages of last season.
While some critics offered constructive feedback and highlighted Nunez’s failure to convert easy chances last season, most launched targeted attacks. The situation forced the Uruguayan to private his Instagram account after the Nottingham Forest loss last weekend instigated more attacks. The Kopite witnessed how these attacks hurt Nunez when he scored the wonder goal and emotionally celebrated.
Nevertheless, Nunez delivered a fantastic performance and used the opportunity that Slot gave him after Jota struggled with form recently. The 25-year-old played for 72 minutes, leaving with a standing ovation from the Anfield faithful before Federico Chiesa substituted him.
According to SofaScore, Nunez had 22 touches, winning four out of eight ground duels in his goalscoring display for Liverpool. The 25-year-old worked very hard off the ball as he defended from the front when Liverpool lost the ball possession.
The Uruguay international made one clearance and completed four tackles to help his team regain possession at critical places. Nunez’s contributions played a key role against a brave Bournemouth side that persistently searched for counter-attacks to score a goal.
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The season is very congested with more fixtures due to the change in the Champions League format. Jota and Nunez will have a lot of opportunities to play games through rotation and both need to contribute consistently.
