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First hiccup for Liverpool. After a difficult preparation, Jurgen Klopp’s men reassured themselves by winning the Community Shield at the expense of Manchester City (3-1) last weekend. But the Reds were hung on the field of Fulham (2-2) this Saturday afternoon, as part of the 1st day of the Premier League.

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It is a logical result. The vice-champions of England were shaken on the ground of the promoted Londoner, who seems determined not to do the lift anymore. The symbol for Fulham? Aleksandar Mitrović. Author of 3 goals in the Premier League in 2020-2021, then a record season in the Championship last year (43 goals), the Serbian international also wants to ward off fate.

Mitrovic’s double

Over-motivated, Mitrovic started the season with a double. He blew up Trent Alexander-Arnold in an aerial duel to open the scoring (1-0, 32nd), before causing a penalty from Virgil van Dijk, which he undertook to transform (2-1, 72nd) .

Opposite, Liverpool were clearly jostled for almost an hour. The Reds showed practically nothing in the first half, apart from a flash from Luis Diaz on the post (39th). But they were boosted by the entry of Darwin Nunez, who replaced the ghostly Roberto Firmino from the 51st minute, at the same time as Thiago Alcantara also left the field through injury.

Nunez, the decisive entry

Recruited at a golden price (more than 80 million euros), the former center-forward of Benfica was quick to stand out. After a first heel on the goalkeeper (61st), the Uruguayan international opened his counter on a new Madjer, after a cross from Mohamed Salah (1-1, 64th). In the process, while Fulham had regained the advantage, after having come close to 2-0 a little earlier on a post from former Parisian Neeskens Kebano (57th), Nunez was again involved in the second equalizer for the Reds. In the area, he put the ball back for Salah (2-2, 81st).

3 – Darwin Núñez is only the third player to score and assist from the bench on his Premier League debut after Sergio Agüero (2011-12) and Álvaro Morata (2017-18). Bulldozer. pic.twitter.com/PFFnCw7b61

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 6, 2022

Despite a final strike on the bar from Jordan Henderson (90th + 4), Liverpool therefore began their championship by giving up two points on the lawn of a promoted player. At the pace at which the title race has played out in recent seasons, it could be expensive. But at least the Reds have found a player who could make Sadio Mané forget.