Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez was severely criticized following the Reds’ 2-3 defeat in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup to hosts Manchester City on Thursday.

The Uruguayan player, who was signed up by Liverpool in mid July 2022, was once again made to face the burner as he spoilt a couple of clear chances in what was a tense and dramatic encounter.

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Social media soon took off and seemed unforgiving of the 23-year-old player. “Please can someone point and tell Nunez where the goal is?” wrote a user on Twitter. “I just don’t think he’s got what we need. And I’m not basing that on tonight. I hope I’m wrong,” added a second one. “He is awful. Won’t hear any different. Shite,” A third user was quick to add.

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Nine-time and defending champions Liverpool began their campaign in a style that has become typical of them, concede a goal, then score back an equaliser. Erling Haaland opened the scorecard for the home side by striking a thigh level pass off the left foot, that straightly found itself deposited in the net.

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Fábio Carvalho was quick to equalise with a deft touch for the visitors after 20 minutes. While City went ahead just after the half time, the defending champions struck back, this time with an assist by Núñez that was promptly delivered as a goal by Mohammed Salah.

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However, Netherland’s Nathan Aké’s 59th minute strike took City into the lead for a third time and meant that Liverpool had to kiss their title defense dreams a goodbye.

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On Monday Liverpool will restart their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa after a one and a half month hiatus that was forced due to the World Cup in Qatar.