Darwin Nunez scored a late goal on his debut as Liverpool drew first blood in this season’s rivalry with Manchester City with a 3-1 win in the Community Shield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring, firing Juergen Klopp’s side ahead in the 21st minute of the 100th edition of the annual clash between the English league champions and FA Cup winners.
City’s new Norwegian signing Erling Haaland, brought in from Borussia Dortmund, missed two chances to mark his debut for the champions with a goal but Pep Guardiola’s side were missing their usual fluency.
It was another new striking addition who brought City level though in the 70th minute when Phil Foden’s shot was parried by Adrian and with the ball spilling loose, Argentine substitute Julian Alvarez pounced to net his first goal for the club.
The effort was initially ruled out for offside but a VAR review overturned the decision although the technology was soon to work against City.
Referee Craig Pawson went to the monitor before ruling City defender Ruben Dias had handled at close range Nunez header and Mohamed Salah drilled home the penalty to restore Liverpool’s lead in the 83rd.
Nunez then capped an impactful appearance from the bench, scoring with an angled header after Andy Robertson nodded the ball into his path.
Klopp was delighted for his new striker.
“We all know they are a special species, strikers. The other thing everybody needs (are) little positives. That means goals, or goal involvements,” said Klopp.
“I think Darwin would have been fine even without scoring the third one because the penalty was Millie’s cross and his header.
Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates after the The FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Liverpool. (Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
“The chance he had before he did really well, but Ederson reacted brilliantly. The goal was obviously the icing on the cake, so really pleased for him.
“You could see in his face, you could see in the face of all his teammates how happy the boys are for him and that’s a really good sign after that short period of time that he is with us.”
Guardiola defended the performance of new signing Haaland.
“He had chances, two or three in the first half, and one in the end, and always is there,” Guardiola said.
“He is strong, another time he will put it in the net. It happened. It is football. He was there.
“He fought a lot and made the movements. It is good for him to see the reality of a new country and new league”.
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