Steve McManaman has criticised Darwin Nunez for his headed effort in the 19th minute, as Liverpool struggled to break Everton down in the Premier League clash at Goodison Park.
What’s the story?
Well, the Uruguay international met a superb cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold midway through the opening 45 minutes on Merseyside, but he could only nod the ball wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal.
It was a golden opportunity, and one McManaman thinks Nunez could have done better with.
Speaking on commentary duty for BT Sport, the 50-year-old said: “Get on top of him, knock him (Nathan Patterson) over, it’s not aggressive enough.”
McManaman also suggested that the £64m man should’ve been more like Aleksandar Mitrovic in the 2-2 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage earlier this season, when the Serbian towered over Alexander-Arnold to put the Cottagers 1-0 up on August 6th.
In truth, Nunez definitely could have done better with his opportunity, especially as the exquisite cross from Alexander-Arnold had already generated enough pace on the ball – all it needed was to be put on target.
Darwin Nunez overeager in Liverpool vs Everton
In our view, the Liverpool No.27 was trying too hard to impress in the opening 45 minutes at Goodison Park.
Of course, that is understandable. The South American is clearly keen to redeem himself after receiving a red card against Crystal Palace, and he is also the type of passionate character to want to put his stamp all over a derby.
However, Nunez must remain focused on the task at hand and try to compose himself, as there were a few wild attempts in the first half.
In fairness, he got better as the game progressed, forcing Pickford into a wonderful save with a powerful effort.
Hopefully, Nunez will mark his return to the starting XI with a goal in the second half.
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