Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez were on target as FA Cup winners Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-1 in the Community Shield
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez were on target as FA Cup winners Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-1 in the Community Shield
Liverpool’s new striker Darwin Nunez scored a late goal on his debut as he shed first blood in this season’s rivalry with Manchester City after a 3-1 win in Saturday’s Community Shield.
Uruguayan, €75 million. Purchased from Benfica at an initial fee of ($76.64 million) made himself an instant fan favorite after capping a lively appearance off the bench with a stoppage time goal to secure his first trophy of the season.
English champions City began their big close season with Norway’s Erling Haaland, but unlike Nunez, he started disappointing, missed many chances and struggled to combine with his new team-mates.
However, Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, another new face of City, got the target after coming in the second half.
The scoring was opened by Trent Alexander-Arnold leading Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side in the 21st minute of the 100th edition of the annual clash between league champions and FA Cup winners.
Thiago Alcantara swung the ball to Mohamed Salah to the right and Egypt put it back to Alexander-Arnold, whose first shot was driven into the far corner.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp looks on as Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during the Community Shield match. photo credit: Reuters
Haaland, brought in from Borussia Dortmund, missed two first-half chances to mark his City debut with a goal, but Pep Guardiola’s side were missing their usual flow.
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It was another new striking addition that brought City level in the 70th minute when Phil Foden’s shot by Adrian was intercepted and with the ball loose, former River Plate forward Alvarez bounced to score his first goal for the club. Gave.
The attempt was initially rejected for offside but a VAR review reversed the decision, although the technique was soon to work against Guardiola’s side.
Referee Craig Pauson went to the Monitor before ruling that City defender Ruben Dias had handled a Nunez header at close range and Mohamed Salah had placed a penalty at home in the 83rd minute to restore Liverpool’s lead.
Nunez made a stunning appearance from the bench after Andy Robertson nodded the ball in his way, scoring with an angled header.
Haaland’s test debut ended with him when Phil Foden’s shot was pushed by Adrian and the blond forward detonated his shot against the bar and over.
“Our season has started today and it was important for us to get off on the right foot,” said Alexander-Arnold, who was full of praise for the 23-year-old Nunez’s influence.
“He won the penalty, scored a goal and looked very alive. He has been bought to score and he has proved he can do it today,” he said.
“He is a top player, a young player who is willing to learn. He ties well with the boys. He came up with a point to prove”.