Liverpool found themselves trailing 0-1 at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp made a pivotal decision to introduce Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo from the bench in an attempt to reverse their fortunes. The tactical move paid off, with Nunez contributing two assists and Gakpo netting the winning goal.
1 – Despite only coming on in the 56th minute, Darwin Núñez had the highest xG (0.76), the most touches in the opposition box (12), completed the most dribbles (3) and had the joint most shots (4) of any Liverpool player tonight, as well as assisting both goals. Exuberance. pic.twitter.com/3kYejjD1Mm
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 10, 2024
Klopp’s team got off to a slow start, and Fulham took the lead through Willian’s goal in the 19th minute. The first half saw few notable moments, and Fulham held a one-goal advantage heading into the second period. Klopp made a crucial substitution in the 56th minute, replacing Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliot with Nunez and Gakpo, which had an immediate impact.
In just three minutes between the 68th and 71st, the Uruguayan forward first assisted Curtis Jones for the equalizing goal and then cleverly set up Cody Gakpo to put Liverpool ahead 2-1. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Nunez has provided 10 assists, more than any other Liverpool player, including Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The two teams are set to face each other again in two weeks at Craven Cottage in London for the return leg of their EFL Cup semi-finals clash.