For Liverpool, it was ecstasy mixed with a tinge of anxiety this weekend. The Reds recorded the perfect result over Brentford, and then saw Erling Haaland miss sitters to ensure Manchester City dropped points. However, at the same time Liverpool also lost several key players due to injury.
Among them were the likes of Diogo Jota, Alisson and Curtis Jones. Liverpool will now wait anxiously to see the full of extent of their injuries.
But to look at the positives, yesterday’s game was a very convincing performance by Liverpool. A performance where the Reds very much proved why they are at the top of the Premier League table at the moment. A performance which also highlighted some Jurgen Klopp’s current stars, including the Reds’ very special 24-year-old, who once again made his moments count on the pitch.
Darwin Nunez scored with a stunning chip, running through on goal and looping it over the Brentford goalkeeper. It was the Uruguayan’s 24th goal contribution in all competitions this season in just 23 starts for Liverpool.
That means if we take into account non-penalty goal contributions, Nunez has averaged a goal or assist every 91 minutes in all competitions for the Reds in the 2023/24 campaign so far. Which is better than Erling Haaland, who has averaged a non penalty goal contribution every 98 minutes for Manchester City so far.
Of course, that is not to say Nunez is better. However, it’s clear that based on this statistic at least, he is the more prolific out of the two when it comes to making an impact from open play this season. Haaland has clearly set the standard with his performances since arriving in the Premier League – and that means he is the benchmark to be measured up against for number nines. The fact that Nunez is currently exceeding that benchmark is a testament to his talent. Liverpool have a special player on their hands.
