Nunez's unpredictability spells trouble for Reds' opponents

ST's weekend football debrief

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Arsenal's failure to beat a struggling Manchester United, coupled with Liverpool's 3-1 win over Southampton, saw the Reds extend their lead atop the Premier League to 15 points over the weekend. Here are three key talking points.

RELENTLESS NUNEZ VITAL FOR LIVERPOOL
In first-half stoppage time, with Southampton leading 1-0 against Liverpool, Reds fans had their hearts in their mouths as Darwin Nunez's late challenge on Saints defender Kyle Walker-Peters was checked as a potential red card. Referee Lewis Smith's on-field decision of a yellow card stood. Six minutes after the break, Nunez equalised for Liverpool before earning the first of two penalties converted by Mohamed Salah as they won 3-1.

This is the enigma that is Nunez. Three years after joining Liverpool for an initial €75 million (S$108 million), Nunez, who has 39 goals in 133 matches for them, continues to be criticised for his tendency to miss gilt-edged chances. But twice in a week, the Uruguayan has shown that in a squad packed with finesse, he offers unpredictability up front. He came off the bench in midweek Champions League action to provide a match-winning assist in a 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain, who never looked troubled before that.