Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended striker Darwin Núñez after his two late goals secured all three points for the Reds away at Brentford.
The Kop side had struggled to break down the Bees with 35 shots and no goal until Darwin Núñez struck in the 91st minute to give Liverpool the lead. The Uruguayan struck two minutes later to make sure of the result.
Speaking after the game Slot refuted the public perception that Núñez was having a bad season:
“I think one of you (the press), asked me similar things before the game about Darwin and I didn’t agree then that he’s not having a good season. I think he’s having a very good season where he scores goals, he works very hard for the team, he assists.”
The Dutchman went on to explain the player’s lack of starts was not due to ability but competition:
“But he’s in competition with a lot of good players, so that’s why he’s not every single game on the pitch. But I’m very happy with him, not only because he scored today two goals that that of course helps, but I’m very happy with the other performances he put in for us as well so.”
Darwin Núñez has failed to live up to expectations after his big-money move from Benfica with 24 Premier League goals in 81 appearances so far. However, since his signing no player has more goals and assists as a substitute than him.
The win coupled with Arsenal’s draw against Aston Villa means Liverpool have 6-point gap at the top of the table with 17 games remaining for the 2021 Champions. Liverpool’s next Premier League game is a visit from Ipswich Town.
