The previous time Darwin Nunez left the Anfield pitch before the final whistle, there was no acknowledgement from Jurgen Klopp. Not the bearhug or the beaming smile, none of the German’s trademark ebullience. As Nunez trudged off in disgrace, his home debut curtailed by a red card, Klopp, the manager who couldn’t forget the Uruguayan tormenting his defence in Benfica’s colours, tried not to notice him.
Seven weeks on, a less explosive exit brought a greater show of affection. Klopp enveloped the substituted striker briefly and praised him afterwards. The redemptive tale belonged to Trent Alexander-Arnold, errant defender turned brilliant scorer, not Nunez. He was profligate, thwarted by a footballing pensioner on a night when he could have scored a hat-trick. His wait for a first Anfield goal goes on.
