New signing Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score on his debut as Liverpool lifted the Community Shield yesterday.

 

Last season’s title rivals came head-to-head again as Liverpool and Manchester City faced off in the Community Shield, with the Reds coming out on top on this occasion. Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold,, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez saw Jurgen Klopp’s men secure a 3-1 victory.

Klopp was quick to praise his new striker, taking the opportunity to throw a jab at his critics at the same time.

“It was clear that he will get better with time, we live in a world where everybody gets judged on first sight and that’s not helpful for anybody but it happens constantly.

“Both teams were not at 100% of their usual physical situation, but in the first few (friendlies) we were not even close to the fitness level we were today, and when he came on we passed each ball for him to chase it. After the third ball he was completely killed and then everybody judged his first touches. It’s a joke.

“We have to live with that and he deals with it brilliantly. We are patient and we knew that he can do good stuff and I liked his impact today, I liked the impact for him.”

Speaking to the club’s official website, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson echoed his manager’s sentiments on the Uruguayan.

“I thought (Nunez) was really good when he came on, putting himself about and always looked a threat. Thankfully he got a goal as well so that will do his confidence the world of good.”

Photo by Mark Atkins/GettyImages. Jordan Henderson lifts the Community Shield.
Photo by Marc Atkins/GettyImages. Jordan Henderson lifts the Community Shield.

Klopp also noted the strength of City’s squad in complimenting the impact of his own team’s substitutes.

 “A highlight of the game – as good as we were – the impact from the bench was really exceptional, everybody who came on was immediately in the game.

“It was, for me, a really nice watch, It’s the most difficult opponent you could get, they don’t get worse, they strengthen and improve and develop and you see the squad, the boys they could bring on, it’s very experienced, proven quality.”

 

City’s new star striker, Erling Haaland, had a less successful debut than his Liverpool counterpart, notably missing a gilt-edged opportunity late in the game.

Pep Guardiola began his press conference by offering a humble congratulations to Liverpool, before going on to speak about the Norwegian’s debut.

He had chances, two or three in the first half and one at the end. He fought a lot and he made the movements.

“It’s good for him to understand and to see the reality (of) the new country and new league, but I think he was there, so today he didn’t score but on other days he will score.”

When asked if he had any worries about Haaland’s missed chances, Guardiola was very quick to shut the idea down.

“No. No, no, no. He has incredible quality on that. He will do it. No.

“He is strong. He missed it and other times he will put it in the net, so what is the problem?

“It’s football, he was there. He (had) another goal disallowed because the ball was out of the line and he scored a goal so he has this talent, he will do it.

“I’m absolutely not concerned or worried about that.”

Photo by Jan Kruger - The FA/GettyImages. Erling Haaland on his debut in the Community Shield.
Photo by Jan Kruger - The FA/GettyImages. Erling Haaland on his debut in the Community Shield.

After Liverpool and City were engaged in a two-horse race for the Premier League title last season, Guardiola was asked if yesterday’s match represented the benchmark for the rest of the league.

“We will see. I would say I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, I have not this vision. But I expect many teams will be (up) there.”

Yesterday’s Community Shield, served as an entertaining precursor to the forthcoming Premier League season, in which these two titans will no doubt clash again in pursuit of the title.

Both clubs are set for trips down to London in their opening fixtures; Liverpool will face newly promoted Fulham whilst City have a difficult tie at West Ham.

VAVEL Logo
About the author