Darwin Nunez faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans after missing a golden chance to put his team ahead against Aston Villa. The match proved to be a frustrating one for the Reds, with Trent Alexander-Arnold eventually scoring the equalizer in the 61st minute after multiple missed opportunities in front of goal.
Aston Villa had taken a 2-1 lead just before halftime, courtesy of Ollie Watkins’ header following a pinpoint cross from Lucas Digne on the left flank. Despite creating only two clear-cut chances throughout the game, the home side made the most of their opportunities, with Youri Tielemans leveling the score at 1-1 in the 38th minute. His goal came as a direct response to Mohamed Salah’s opener, which was the result of a costly mistake by Villa right-back Andres Garcia just minutes earlier.
Nunez had a golden opportunity to restore Liverpool’s lead midway through the second half after receiving a perfect pass from Dominik Szoboszlai. However, the striker sent his effort well over the bar despite having an open goal in front of him. Fans quickly took to social media to express their frustration, blaming his miss for the team’s failure to secure all three points.
One supporter voiced their exasperation by saying, “Nunez, mate, I’m done with you. That’s the final straw.”
Another questioned how he managed to sky the ball from such close range,
while a third remarked, “Premier League athlete, League Two finisher.”
The miss, which registered an expected goal value of 0.89 (xG), will be remembered as a costly moment for Liverpool. It added to Nunez’s ongoing struggles in the 2024-25 season, where he has started just seven of Liverpool’s 21 Premier League games, scoring only four goals. The 25-year-old striker, who joined Anfield in the summer of 2022 for a fee that could rise to £85 million, has yet to cement his place in Arne Slot’s starting lineup. The Liverpool manager has frequently opted for Diogo Jota or Luis Diaz in the central attacking role due to Nunez’s inconsistency in front of goal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal prepares for a crucial home fixture against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. If they secure a victory, the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool will be reduced to just five points, keeping the title race wide open.
Liverpool, however, will have another opportunity to strengthen their position when they face Manchester City on Sunday. The match comes at a crucial time, with City still reeling from their painful Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, who knocked them out with an aggregate score of 6-3. The result ended City’s European hopes and could have an impact on their morale as they prepare to face Liverpool in what could be a decisive clash in the Premier League title race.
