Darwin Nunez the difference maker in ‘massive’ Liverpool win | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez played the role of super sub on Saturday as the Liverpool forward scored twice late on to win at Brentford in the Premier League.

Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk praised the Uruguayan for “making the difference” in a tightly contested encounter in which the hosts frustrated the team at the top of the table.

With Diogo Jota sidelined with an injury, Arne Slot turned to Nunez in the second half, taking off Luis Diaz with the match scoreless in the 65th minute.

That was the point at which Slot had subbed on Jota and Kostas Tsimikas against Nottingham Forest in midweek; 22 seconds later the Portuguese equalised from the full-back’s corner.

Darwin Nunez the difference maker in ‘massive’ Liverpool win

There was no instant gratification on this occasion, but once again the manager’s changes influenced the outcome of the game. Nunez broke the deadlock in the 91st minute after Trent Alexander-Arnold laid it up for him. Two minutes later fellow sub Harvey Elliott set him up for his second.

“It was a lot of hard work,” Van Dijk told BBC Sport. “Brentford away is a difficult place to come. The way they press high, eventually going to a low block and the quality they have on the break.

“We did well. We kept working, kept trying. Eventually Darwin made a difference with the two goals.

“We’ve experienced it two games in a row – especially the second half against Forest. It’s also quality from Brentford that they want you to try to force it a bit because they’ll get you on the break. We did well and limited them.”

Nunez has struggled for form of late, scoring just nine goals in the 11 months prior to Saturday’s win. His brace could be the kickstart his season needs as Liverpool fight for a second Premier League title in four years.

“Darwin since the day he came in he brings a lot of energy,” Van Dijk said. “As a striker you’re judged by your goals. Maybe it’s tougher than ever. He’s working hard and learning. Today he had a massive part of the victory. It was well deserved.

“Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep going.”

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