Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge may be over after their 2-0 defeat at Everton and Jamie Carragher believes the game may also be up for Reds striker Darwin Nunez.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin blasted a hole in Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge as Everton powered their way to a priceless derby victory.
Goals from Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin either side of half-time secured a 2-0 win – a first over the Blues’ arch-rivals at Goodison Park in almost 14 years – which lifted them eight points clear of the relegation zone with just four games remaining.
For the Reds, manager Jurgen Klopp’s much-celebrated ‘last dance’ took a further turn for the worse after the club’s Europa League exit at the hands of Atalanta with his side now sitting three points adrift of leaders Arsenal and only one clear of third-placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
A sloppy Liverpool performance featured a host of missed opportunities for Klopp’s strikers, with Carragher suggesting Darwin Nunez may now be running out of time to prove his worth at Anfield.
“The chance Nunez misses is unforgivable at this level. It’s not acceptable when you’re going for a title,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“I thought Liverpool were in control at the start of the second half and if they got one they’d get two. And then Mohamed Salah gave the ball away that led to the Everton corner.
“He has looked a shadow of himself for a lot of this season especially since he’s come back from injury. He is Liverpool’s legend, superstar. But he has been so far off it.
“There is a real discussion for the new manager about what the future holds for Mo Salah – it’s the first time we’ve asked that question.
“I don’t think there’s that question about Nunez after two years at the club. You want him to do well as he gives everything, he causes trouble, he gets the odd goal. But when Liverpool are going for the title or in big games, you need your man to score at Old Trafford or at Goodison Park. This is the business end. He’s ground to a halt.
“After two years there’s going to be no improvement in him. This is what he is. He can cause trouble but he’s erratic with his finishing – it’s not enough to win you trophies so there’s a big decision to be made on him.”
Carragher went on to suggest Liverpool’s lack of cutting edge has now ended their title challenge in Klopp’s final season at the club.
“It’s Everton’s night. You have to give it to them. You have to accept that as a Liverpool fan,” he added.
“This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end. They just have to make sure they finish the season strongly.
“They had enough chances in the game but at the moment they are not clinical enough in both boxes.
“I don’t think you can get too angry with the team or Jurgen Klopp. It’s been a great ride and a great journey. But tonight is Everton’s night and you have to take it on the chin.”
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