Nunez Shatters 20-Year Premier League Record in Epic Clash: Liverpool vs Chelsea Unveils New Milestone
In a stunning display of both brilliance and misfortune, Liverpool dynamo Darwin Nunez etched his name into Premier League history during the thrilling 4-1 triumph over Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Uruguayan maestro, showcasing his versatility, delivered his 11th assist of the season in all competitions. A pinpoint low cross found its mark in the capable feet of Luis Diaz, who clinically slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Nunez’s impressive tally also includes 11 goals, marking a season that has quietly solidified his status as a key player for the Reds.
In his second campaign with Liverpool, Nunez’s dynamic style of play, direct running, and physical prowess justify the club’s hefty investment of £85 million to secure his services from Benfica in the summer of 2022.
While the talented forward didn’t grace the scoresheet against Chelsea, his performance left spectators in awe. Taking a penalty in the first half after a foul on Diogo Jota, Nunez’s strike thundered against the left post, leaving him frustrated as Chelsea cleared the danger.
4 – Darwin Núñez has now become the first player on record (since 2003-04) to hit the woodwork four times in a single Premier League match. Carpenter. #LIVCHE https://t.co/PGOjrQOUXh
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 31, 2024
Adding to his tale of near misses, Nunez struck the woodwork on a staggering four occasions during the match, an achievement confirmed by OptaJoe. This remarkable feat establishes him as the first player in Premier League history to hit the woodwork four times in a single match since records began in the 2003/04 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a football legend in his own right, had previously hit the woodwork three times in a single match for Manchester United in October 2006, while Jay-Jay Okocha achieved the same feat against Tottenham in November 2003.
To compound Nunez’s bittersweet evening, he has now hit the woodwork a total of nine times in all Premier League matches this season. This statistic surpasses his closest competitors, including Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, by a margin of three.
Despite this quirky record, Nunez’s pivotal role in Liverpool’s campaign ensures that manager Jurgen Klopp remains unfazed. While the Uruguayan may be eyeing the Golden Boot, this peculiar statistic is unlikely to overshadow his overall impact on the team.