Jamie Carragher labelled Darwin Nunez’s miss as “unforgivable” during the derby defeat against Everton as Liverpool’s title hopes went up in smoke.
In what marked Jurgen Klopp’s final derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool’s aspirations to secure the league title suffered a mortal blow. Everton secured victory, handing Klopp his first defeat at the venue, thanks to goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Despite Liverpool’s repeated attacks, they failed to capitalise on key opportunities, including a glaring chance before half-time that fell to Nunez – with the Uruguayan squandering the opportunity by shooting straight at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Following the match, Jamie Carragher expressed his dismay at Nunez’s miss and said: “The chance that Nunez misses before half-time, that is unforgivable at this level.
“That is not acceptable at this level, certainly when Liverpool are going for the title”.
Nunez has blown hot and cold for Liverpool scoring just 33 times in 92 appearances.
No Time To Waste
Carragher believes that if the striker fails to establish himself as more dependable and reliable his days at Anfield might be numbered, especially with a changing of the guard in the dugout looming.
“I think there is a question to ask,” he added.
“You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.
“But after two years when Liverpool this season are going to the title and those big games, you need your man to score away at Old Trafford, away at Goodison, in the European game at Atalanta.
“There is no time to waste, this is not October or November.
“This is the business end.
“In terms of Nunez and where the club go forward now, we have all been in squads where someone comes in and maybe you talk about the first year and maybe say, okay he’s getting up to speed with and he’s improving, and it looked like he was at the start of the season.
“But it has ground to a halt.
“You are looking at it now and after two years.
“I don’t think there is going to be a massive improvement in him.
“What we have seen in the last two years is what he is.
“He can cause trouble, he can be erratic with his finishing.
“I don’t think it is going to be enough to win you the biggest trophies; so, I think there is a big decision to be made on him in the summer”.
Carragher Questions Klopp’s Tactics
Carragher came down heavily on Mohamed Salah and also questioned Klopp’s tactical plan as he believes that Liverpool lacked a plan B after the Reds failed to respond effectively in the final 30 minutes of the game after going 2-0 down.
“This is the end of the title run for Liverpool.
“It almost feels like the end,” he said.
“Tonight is Everton’s night, you have to take it on the chin.
“They played into Everton’s hands.
“The way Liverpool started was really naive, poor, giving silly fouls away.
“I thought Liverpool were in control at the start of the second half.
‘And if they got one, they would go on and get two.
“Then Mo Salah gave the ball away.
“He has looked a shadow of himself for a lot of this season but especially since he’s come back from injury.
“He is Liverpool’s legend, superstar, one of the all-time greats.
“But he has been so far off it.
“And as soon as it went 2-0 Liverpool ran out of ideas.”
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Liverpool are just a point ahead of third-placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand, and three behind leaders Arsenal after 34 games.
They must win four games on the trot to wrap up the season, starting with an away fixture against West Ham on Saturday, to have an outside chance of getting their hands on the Premier League trophy.
