Of all the misses of Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool career, this wasn’t even the worst. Liverpool fans will remember a similar failure to find an open net against Toulouse in the Champions League in 2023. Luckily for Núñez that night, it was inconsequential as the Reds ran out 5-1 winners.
However, at Villa Park, there would be no such fortune for Núñez as Liverpool stuttered to a 2-2 draw, which could result in their lead at the top being cut to five points. The result placed Núñez under the spotlight, throwing an unsecured Liverpool future into further doubt.
Criticism poured in for the Uruguayan after the final whistle. Dean Ashton criticized him on TalkSport for “not doing his job.” Robbie Fowler then chimed in on TNT after the game, berating him for “not thinking enough.”
However, the most telling criticism came from his manager. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said in his post-match press conference that he could accept the miss but would not accept Núñez’s lack of effort in the 20 minutes after.
Núñez missing chances is not a new concept to the Liverpool management or fans, but his lack of contribution in other parts of the game has become a theme this season.
In his two years under Jürgen Klopp, Núñez’s use as the ‘agent of chaos’ was an effective weapon for the German’s side. Although he was often as skilled at finding opportunities as he was at missing them, his threat to the opposition remained a valuable tool for maintaining attacking pressure.
However, under the new Liverpool management, it appears Núñez’s effectiveness on the pitch has subsided. His shots per 90 are down to 2.69 this season, after averaging 4.6 per 90 in the previous two seasons.
His xG per 90 is also down, from an average of 0.8 over his first two campaigns to 0.47 this season.
The Uruguayan’s hard work has endeared him to Liverpool fans for much of his time at Anfield, but it appears even their patience is beginning to wear thin. In response to the backlash from fans on X after the game, he responded: “You’ll never see me give up ever.” “I’m going to give it my all until the last day I’m here in Liverpool.”
It would appear the forward’s days in Liverpool could be numbered. Fabrizio Romano revealed in January that Núñez was close to moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, but the move didn’t materialize as Liverpool’s targeted replacements were unavailable.
The football insider then revealed on Tuesday that Liverpool will try to sign Alexander Isak in a part-exchange deal that involves Núñez. On the evidence of Isak’s stellar season, which has seen him score 17 goals and register five assists in the league, it would be safe to assume Liverpool will have to pay a hefty fee to make up that deal.
As Núñez’s future at Anfield has looked less certain, it appears his commitment to the cause has dissipated, along with the patience of the fans and management.
This chance last night might not have been the best one that Darwin Núñez has squandered in a Liverpool shirt, but it could end up being among the last.