The expensive signings of Liverpool began to shine. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo both scored against Newcastle on Saturday night. But unfortunately, Nunez has a shoulder injury and it is difficult to recover for the great war against Real Madrid tomorrow night.
Nunez’s 10th-minute shelling recalled the player’s prolific image in a Benfica shirt. A confident, decisive and very precise Nunez in finishing. The goal against Newcastle will be a significant push to help the 23-year-old striker step through the precarious period at Liverpool.
The fact that Jurgen Klopp pulled Nunez to the left also created conditions for this player to promote his speed and ability to penetrate. It should be known that in the last 4 times in the middle, Nunez was empty. But in the last two games being pulled to the left, Liverpool’s No 27 has assisted Everton and scored against Newcastle. Klopp has probably found the best position for Nunez on the left side, an area previously occupied by Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
Unfortunately, on the way to sublimation, Nunez got a shoulder injury. The former Benfica player had to leave the field at the start of the second half in pain. According to Liverpool doctors, the possibility of Nunez returning for the match against Real Madrid tomorrow night is not high. However, the Uruguayan striker could return for a trip to Crystal Palace this weekend. Hopefully then Nunez can still maintain the same high level of excitement as the performance against Newcastle.
Liverpool are benefiting from expensive signings. In addition to Nunez, Cody Gakpo also began to show talent. The goal against Newcastle was the second consecutive match for the Dutch striker to shine. Gakpo just arrived at Anfield in January, so he hasn’t had much time to adjust to the new environment. But it is clear that the 22-year-old player is becoming more and more confident in decisive balls.
The rising form of rookie duo Nunez – Gakpo helped Liverpool win 2 consecutive victories. Klopp’s army rose to 8th in the Premier League table with 35 points after 22 matches. Liverpool’s hopes of reaching the Top 4 flashed again when they were only 6 points behind Newcastle (currently ranked 4th) and played 1 game less.
However, in terms of collective play, Liverpool have not improved much. In the match against Newcastle, the gaps were still explored by Allan Saint-Maximin. The remote defense system is still not working well, leading to Liverpool being under a lot of pressure from the opponent to play with 10 people. Without Alisson’s talent and saving crossbar, Klopp’s students would not have left St James’ Park with 3 points in hand. Stefan Bajcetic’s position is a question mark when the 18-year-old midfielder is constantly playing in the main game despite being quite lackluster.
But anyway, this is no longer a Liverpool panic like in the defeats to Brighton and Wolves a few weeks ago. The system is gradually being consolidated, the links are starting to tighten and the determination is being pushed higher and higher. The return of Van Dijk has created a clear positive effect. Although the Dutch midfielder himself has not returned to his best form, his teammates around him have been given more confidence. Especially Joe Gomez when playing next to Van Dijk has performed much better than when paired with other central defenders.
Liverpool is gradually returning with more and more positive signals. One more victory against Real Madrid will activate the sublimation mode of The Kop.
1500 – The 2-0 win in Newcasle helps Liverpool create a special milestone. Because this is the 1500th match with a score of 2-0 (or 0-2) in Premier League history. It should be noted that this is the third most appearing score in the tournament’s history, after only 1-0 (2136 matches) and 2-1 (1779 matches). This is also Liverpool’s 10th victory in the Premier League this season, helping them rise to 8th in the table with 35 points after 22 matches.
