The Uruguayan striker’s clinical strike, which came in the 53rd minute of the 3:00 p.m. BST kickoff, sent the away fans into a frenzy and reaffirmed Núñez’s knack for seizing critical moments, even amid swirling transfer rumors linking him to Napoli and Atletico Madrid. The goal, Liverpool’s first in a 2-0 victory, set the tone for a dominant display and amplified the emotional weight of a match dedicated to the late Diogo Jota.
Núñez’s goal stemmed from a high press led by new signing Florian Wirtz, who harried Preston’s centre-back into a misplaced pass just outside the box. The 25-year-old pounced with predatory instinct, taking one touch to control before unleashing a venomous left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Woodman with no chance.
The eruption at Deepdale, captured live on ITV, was heightened by the context of Jota’s tribute, with a pre-match hologram and minute’s silence honoring the fallen star. Fans on social media went wild, with one user calling Núñez’s finish “a rocket that shook the stadium,” while another praised his “chaos energy” as a perfect fit for Arne Slot’s high-intensity system.
The goal was a statement from Núñez, who has faced scrutiny for his inconsistent finishing despite 20 goals in 54 appearances during the 2024/25 Premier League-winning season. With speculation about a potential £75 million move to Napoli intensifying, his emphatic performance alongside debutants Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez showcased his value to Liverpool.
Slot, speaking post-match, lauded Núñez’s opportunism, saying, “Darwin thrives on moments like that. He’s a handful for any defender when he’s in that mood.” The strike complemented a later goal from Conor Bradley, assisted by Rio Ngumoha’s dazzling dribble, underlining Liverpool’s attacking depth.
The match, while a pre-season test, carried significant weight as Liverpool’s first outing since Jota’s tragic passing. Núñez’s celebration, pointing to the sky in tribute, resonated deeply with fans, who saw it as a nod to his former teammate.
Despite Preston’s physical challenge, Liverpool’s control was evident, with the high press forcing errors like the one Núñez exploited. As the Reds prepare for their Asia tour and the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10, Núñez’s explosive goal has quieted doubters for now, proving he can be the spearhead of Slot’s attack, even as transfer uncertainty looms.
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