Darwin Nunez‘s excellent cameo off the bench helped Liverpool set down an early flag ahead of the new season, as they defeated Manchester City 3-1 at the King Power Stadium to win the Community Shield.

Many of the headlines leading up to the game focused on Manchester City’s new striker Erling Haaland, who was given the opportunity to convince from the start, but it was Nunez’s late emergence from the bench – besides a stoppage-time goal – that swayed the contest in Liverpool’s favour and took all the credit.

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Haaland toiled to make an impact as Liverpool commanded the early minutes, and their early dominance was rewarded when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-range shot took a deflection off Nathan Ake’s head before evading Ederson’s dive and reaching the far corner.

After the half, City clawed their way back into the game as substitute Julian Alvarez slammed the ball home from close range, with the goal later awarded after VAR overturned an initial offside call.

When Liverpool’s new striker was finally introduced from the bench, it was his goalbound header that was blocked by Ruben Dias’ arm, and referee Craig Pawson directed to the spot after a VAR review.

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It gave Mohamed Salah the chance to put the Reds ahead, and he made no mistake, shooting the ball past Ederson before Nunez sealed a fantastic day for Klopp’s men, driving home from close range as last season’s FA Cup winners earned the season’s first prize.

Liverpool set a fast pace at the King Power Stadium, led by Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian waltzed into the penalty box and past Joao Cancelo, but his thunderous drive sailed wide.

Man City weren’t really in the game in the early stages, but Kevin De Bruyne surged past Virgil van Dijk out of nowhere, but his low strike went into the sidenetting.

However, Liverpool’s persistent domination finally caught up with them in the 21st minute.

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Salah hauled down Thiago Alcantara’s cross, who rolled a pass back into the direction of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who unleashed a shot that just bounced off Nathan Ake’s head and in off the far post.

Man City were struggling to bring new recruit Erling Haaland into the game, making it a difficult assignment.

However, he had two chances in a matter of seconds near the end of the first half.

First, he used his strength to keep Andy Robertson at bay before seeing his low drive parried by Adrian.

Seconds later, the Norway striker slid away from Van Dijk to meet Bernardo Silva‘s cross, but his hooked shot failed to make enough impact. The rebound fell for Riyad Mahrez, but he was unable to create enough power to overcome Adrian at his near post, as Liverpool maintained their lead at halftime.

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Nunez eventually made it onto the pitch with half an hour remaining, and Ederson took him down with nearly his first touch. An offside flag, however, saved referee Craig Pawson from having to make a decision.

Jordan Henderson then played the Uruguay international in the middle, but Ederson rushed out to block with his chest.

As the game had become more open, counter-attacking chances multiplied, and City took advantage of one of them. Despite saving Phil Foden‘s initial effort, Adrian botched the rebound, allowing another substitute, Alvarez, to push the ball home.

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Liverpool quickly regained control of the game. Pawson was urged to view the pitchside monitor after Nunez’ header struck Ruben Dias‘ arm, and he awarded a penalty. Eight minutes from time, Salah surged up and smashed home inside Ederson’s left-hand post.

Nunez completed an excellent Liverpool effort in added time with a close-range header from Robertson’s knockdown.