Darwin Nunez’s reaction to Southampton fans after scoring Liverpool’s equalizer—and avoiding a red card—spoke volumes.
The Reds trailed 1-0 at halftime against the Saints at Anfield after a defensive miscommunication between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk allowed Will Smallbone to capitalize, giving Ivan Juric’s side a surprising lead.
Liverpool’s situation nearly worsened when Nunez faced a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters but avoided a sending-off.
Criticized for his first-half display, the Uruguayan responded emphatically in the second half. With Liverpool at risk of suffering just their second home defeat of the season—following their earlier 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest—Nunez stepped up.
He netted the equalizer and later won a penalty that Mohamed Salah converted. During his goal celebration, Nunez directed a ‘shush’ gesture at the visiting fans.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot had praised Nunez ahead of the Southampton clash, highlighting his key assist in the Reds’ 1-0 victory over PSG. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot stated:
“I think he was just back to being the normal Darwin, the player he was for seven or eight months before.
He’s adored by the fans because he always gives everything for the team.
That’s what he’s always done, what he did against Paris Saint-Germain, and what he showed again last week.
He had a couple of tough games, partly due to missing that chance against Villa, but that happens. Now, he’s back to his usual self.”
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