While Liverpool fans will be hugely concerned about the injuries picked up by Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, they will otherwise come away hugely satisfied with their performance in the win over Brentford yesterday.
Heading into what looked like a very tricky away fixture, Jurgen Klopp's side produced the type of performance that will bolster their hopes of maintaining a sustained title challenge over the coming months. Liverpool played some scintillating football en route to a 4-1 victory, with Darwin Nunez's opener arguably the pick of the goals.
The Uruguayan, who has been in brilliant form since the turn of the year, got the rout underway with a wonderful chipped finish to complete a devastating counterattack from the visitors.
Darwin Núñez 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/vNZmC0oNgK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 17, 2024
Nunez would be substituted at halftime, with Jurgen Klopp saying after the game that it was a precautionary move due to the player 'feeling something' at the interval. It is expected that he will be available for the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea next week.
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Michael Owen feels Darwin Nunez Brentford goal highlights big issue
Darwin Nunez's finishing has come under heavy scrutiny ever since he joined Liverpool, although yesterday's goal was certainly a reminder of the quality he possesses in that area. It was a remarkable finish, one that was also unexpected when you consider that he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper with plenty of time to pick his next move.
In saying that, some feel that difficult nature of that goal points out a flaw in his game.
Taking to social media, Michael Owen said that the fact Darwin Nunez even attempted that type of finish exhibited why he has not scored as many goals as he could have for Liverpool up to this point in his spell at Anfield.
That finish from Darwin Nunez yesterday was insane. I can’t stop watching it. And I can’t begin to explain how difficult a skill that is. Moving at pace, the ball running away from you, being inside the box with no room for error. Incredible. BUT, it is also further proof that if…
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) February 18, 2024
That finish from Darwin Nunez yesterday was insane. I can’t stop watching it.
And I can’t begin to explain how difficult a skill that is. Moving at pace, the ball running away from you, being inside the box with no room for error. Incredible.
BUT, it is also further proof that if he is to get closer to becoming the great player many people think he can be, he has to adapt his way of thinking. I mean, to even consider that finish is madness. It’s a 1 in 10, 2 in 10 finish at best.
Learning to slot, dink or go round the GK is a far more productive way to score and will increase his chances to 4 or 5 in 10, thus massively increasing his end return.
I’m really not trying to rain on his parade as that goal was pure class. But I’d rather see it when Liverpool are 3-0 up, not at 0-0.
This is an interesting point by Owen. While Darwin Nunez's finish yesterday was absolutely top class, he did make the chance a bit more difficult than it needed to be by attempting the chip. Of course, this is somewhat of a moot point considering that it came off perfectly.
Liverpool supporters certainly wouldn't mind seeing a few more goals such as this one over the remainder of the season.