When the referee raised his board to signal four minutes of added time in a chaotic match between Brentford and Liverpool, Liverpool's most frustrated player was the only one who kept his cool.
A match that seemed to end without any goals being scored, suddenly, somehow, the score was 2-0 in favor of The Kop.
Nunez started the game from the bench as his team-mates displayed an astonishing level of wastefulness. By the end of the game, Liverpool had had 37 shots on goal against Brentford, a record for almost nine years and the most by any visiting team since Opta began collecting data 21 years ago.
In that context, it was strange that the Uruguayan player's last two shots created the turning point.
Nunez will be the first to admit he has had a difficult season, making just seven Premier League appearances. His double against Brentford was his first league goal since 9 November 2024. He has only managed four Premier League goals so far this season.
There have been rumours that coach Arne Slot will consider selling Nunez in the January transfer window. However, after the match against Brentford, perhaps the Dutch strategist will think differently.
Eight of Nunez's 24 Premier League goals have come after the 75th minute. Nunez wasn't originally signed to be Liverpool's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a "super-sub" who could help the team win games. But now it's a role he seems perfectly suited to.
Since joining Liverpool in the 2022-23 season, Nunez has been directly involved in more goals as a substitute than any other player (7 goals and 4 assists).
"Darwin Nunez always makes a big impact every time he comes on the pitch. He brings energy, strength and the ability to make a difference in important moments" - Slot commented on Nunez after the win over Brentford.
Shortly after Liverpool's win, Arsenal blew a two-goal lead and were held to a draw by Aston Villa. What should have been a disappointing day for Liverpool ended with them opening up a six-point lead over Arsenal, having played a game less.
