Darwin Nunez had to pulled away from a furious Pep Guardiola at full-time in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Man City, having shared words with the manager.
Liverpool salvaged an excellent point at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, with Trent Alexander-Arnold cancelling out Erling Haaland’s opener.
It means the Reds are the first side to even draw away to City in 2023, and gives them a major boost as they continue their title push this season.
Darwin Núñez and Pep Guardiola at full-time… ? pic.twitter.com/gN4RQcWuGu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 25, 2023
Always a dramatic fixture, the flashpoint arguably came after the final whistle as Nunez left Guardiola seething after an exchange on the touchline.
The Man City manager greeted Liverpool’s No. 9, who gestured towards the pitch and seemingly provoked the Spaniard before being pulled away by Jurgen Klopp.
Guardiola had to be placated by Vitor Matos, one of Klopp’s assistants, with Nunez’s smiling team-mates pushing him away towards the travelling supporters.
Nunez was substituted with five minutes left in Saturday’s draw, having scuffed a handful of chances in a difficult return to domestic action.
What Klopp and Guardiola said post-match
The needle shown in his flareup with Guardiola did not go unnoticed by supporters on social media:
“115 mate” pic.twitter.com/Jech4QHgqx
— Dan Clubbe (@dan_clubbe) November 25, 2023
Darwin defo has a touch of Suarez about him. He could start a fight in an empty room. Can tell they’ve just spent the international break together!
Absolutely love that about him. #LFC.— Si Steers (@sisteers) November 25, 2023
It wouldn’t be a normal game without Darwin having to do something. ? pic.twitter.com/gBklor6yqD
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) November 25, 2023
Darwin Nunez really rattled Pep ?#MCILIV pic.twitter.com/GlMDN58pnH
— Reasons (@LFCReasons) November 25, 2023
Darwin was just happy he had someone who could understand his Spanish insults ??????
— Anfield Fix (@AnfieIdFix) November 25, 2023
Absolutely massive fan of Darwin calling Guardiola a cheating bald bastard or something similar in Spanish.
— Dan (@Dan23_92) November 25, 2023
Darwin will be counting the days until we play City again… #LFC pic.twitter.com/Yzk0YvSwIv
— EssinemLFC (@essinem7) November 25, 2023
Afterwards, Nunez made his way towards the Liverpool supporters and held the badge on his shirt up – a player who gets how important these games are.
This result could, after all, be the difference when the Reds make their final tilt for the title come May.
It is a far cry from Arthur shaking Guardiola’s hand as he celebrated a goal in Man City‘s 4-1 win in April, that’s for sure…
