In a pulsating Premier League clash that had significant implications at both ends of the table, Liverpool squandered a golden opportunity to open up a commanding 10-point lead at the summit. Arne Slot’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park, with Darwin Núñez’s glaring second-half miss proving especially costly for the title chasers.
The Uruguay international, who joined Liverpool for an initial £64 million fee from Benfica in the summer of 2022, found himself with the goal at his mercy after being brilliantly played through by substitute Conor Bradley. But with just Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez to beat, Núñez drilled his attempt wide of the post, spurning a chance with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.89.
Liverpool’s Missed Opportunity
While the breathless 2-2 draw was undoubtedly one of the games of the Premier League season from a neutral perspective, it represented points dropped for a Liverpool side with ambitions of clinching a record-equaling 20th English top-flight title. Mohamed Salah had fired the Reds into an early lead, but goals either side of half-time from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins turned the match on its head.
Trent Alexander-Arnold drew Liverpool level with a wickedly deflected strike just past the hour mark, setting the stage for a grandstand finish. That was when Núñez fluffed his lines, denying Slot’s men the chance to go eight points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who still hold a game in hand over the leaders.
Núñez Under the Microscope Again
Núñez’s profligacy has been a recurring theme during his first season at Anfield. The 24-year-old has now scored 15 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, but his overall xG of 20.35 suggests he has underperformed significantly in terms of his finishing.
“[Szoboszlai] made the perfect choice to square it because from a 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, he made it an open goal chance,” Liverpool boss Slot said of Núñez’s spurned opportunity. “It was not Darwin’s best leg — he’s right-footed, of course — but it was still a big chance.”
– Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
There is no question that Núñez brings other qualities to the Liverpool attack with his relentless running and clever movement. But if the Reds are to stave off the challenge of an Arsenal side with the bit between their teeth, they will need their big-money forward to start converting his chances more regularly.
Defensive Frailties Resurface for Reds
It should also be noted that Liverpool’s failure to claim maximum points at Villa Park was not solely down to their misfiring Uruguayan striker. Slot’s side looked uncharacteristically shaky at the back, conceding two poor goals that were entirely avoidable.
For Villa’s equalizer, Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a set-piece, allowing Tielemans far too much time and space to measure a volleyed finish beyond Alisson. Then, on the stroke of half-time, slipshod defending allowed Lucas Digne to delivery a pinpoint cross for the unmarked Watkins to nod home.
With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté both sidelined through injury, Slot turned to the veteran Joël Matip to partner Joe Gomez at center-back. On this evidence, that pairing may struggle to provide the solidity and leadership Liverpool require as they navigate the pressures of a title run-in.
City Clash Looms Large for Liverpool
Liverpool’s quest for Premier League glory continues this weekend with a trip to face reigning champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. While Pep Guardiola’s side have been some way short of their usual imperious standards this term, they remain a formidable opponent – especially at home.
The Reds can ill-afford any more slip-ups against a City team smarting from their midweek Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid. With just goal difference now separating them from Arsenal in second, the margins for error are rapidly diminishing for Slot and his players.
Núñez Needs to Repay Liverpool’s Faith
Ultimately, Liverpool’s fate this season may well rest on the shoulders of their big-money striker. The Reds hierarchy invested a huge sum to bring Núñez to Merseyside, believing he could develop into the long-term successor to Sadio Mané at the sharp end of their attack.
The early signs have been mixed, with moments of brilliance interspersed with profligate finishing and positional naivety. But Slot retains faith in his burgeoning forward and will hope Núñez can deliver when it matters most over the coming weeks.
One thing is for sure: if Liverpool are to pip Arsenal to the Premier League title and claim English football’s greatest prize for the second time in five seasons, they will need Núñez to start hitting the back of the net with far greater regularity. The Uruguayan’s next chance to make amends comes this Sunday at the home of the champions.
