Liverpool got away with a black eye |
75-Mio-Joker corrected Klopp!
Bankruptcy averted at the start of the season.
After a weak first half, Liverpool draw at newly promoted Fulham. At 2: 2, last year’s second has big problems, 75 million newcomer Darwin Núñez (23) saves Jürgen Klopp’s (55) team at least one point!
Can Jürgen Klopp’s (55) team become champions like this? The appearance of his team in the first 60 minutes at least raises questions.
The first surprise before the game even started: Núñez is back on the bench. The striker also came on as a substitute in the Community Shield against Manchester City, but scored to make it 3-1. He joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer for €75m, with bonuses this could rise to €100m.
Liverpool are struggling early in the game. Except for an offside goal by Luis Diaz (15th), not much jumps out.
Fulham’s good early phase even led to a 1-0 lead: Mitrovic hits a header after a nice cross (32′). It is debatable that Henderson is clearly fouled about 30 seconds before the goal, the referee overlooked this.
A sign of life from Liverpool only follows shortly before the break. Luis Diaz hits the post in the 39th minute.
In the 51st minute, Klopp brings on Darwin Núñez for Firmino. However, the next huge chance belongs to Fulham, Kebano hits the post (57th). It wasn’t until the 61st minute that Núñez made his first serious appearance. He fails from close range to Fulham goalkeeper Rodak. Newcomer Bernd Leno is still on the bench.
Jürgen Klopp was not satisfied with his team’s performance for long periods of the game
But then Núñez is there. And how! With a hoe, he converts a cross to make it 1-1 (64′). And he almost scores his second goal right away, Fulham can just about save (67th). Liverpool have chances every minute.
However, Fulham are awarded a penalty in the midst of Liverpool’s urge for van Dijk fouling Mitrovic. The striker steps up himself and converts coldly to 2: 1 (72nd). Salah meets Núñez’s assist from close range to make it 2:2 (80′)! Henderson still hits the bar (90+4), then it’s over.
The championship race is on! With coach Pep Guardiola on Sunday (5:30 p.m.) at West Ham United, Manchester City can pull away from Liverpool by two points.