Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez didn't take long to make their mark in the Premier League after each scored in their debut matches over the weekend at the start of the new 2022/2023 campaign.
Liverpool played a tough 2-2 draw with a stubborn Fulham at Craven Cottage in an early kick-off on Saturday afternoon, in which Nunez was brought on in the second half, replacing Roberto Firmino to score a spectacular goal, courtesy of an assist by Salah.
Despite starting the game strong, Liverpool trailed 1-0 in the first half after Fulham's big, strong striker, Mitrovic, wrestled off Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold for a well-headed goal. In my opinion, Trent could possibly have jumped higher to give Mitrovic a challenge to deny the Serbian a clear-cut chance of finding the net.
There's so much Allison could do because Mitrovic's header had some real pace before travelling past the Brazillian goalkeeper.
Luis Diaz was clearly the busiest among the front three in the first half as Salah and Firmino were unusually quiet by their standards. The Colombian missed a chance to give Liverpool an early lead after seeing his shot from the left flank hit the crossbar.
Bobby Firmino is still a strong favourite in Klopp' list and as claimed, the Brazillian is very much involved in the German's long-term plan moving forward, but his performances of late have proved otherwise.
The once upon time Bobby Dazzler, a nickname he gained for his skill moves, quick feet and intelligent finishing, is slowly seeing a dip in form.
But there's no denying that Firmino is still one of the key players in Klopp's line-up because believe it or not, there are very few players who can make football look so easy at times, and he's right up there. He is also a fan favourite, so there's no way Klopp could possibly even imagine dropping him from the squad.
Another player the fans were eagerly waiting to see was Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan was brought on in the second half in place of Firmino, and he didn't take long to get off the mark after equalizing in style through a flying backheel goal.
Liverpool thought they could go on and win the game and get the next goal until Mitrovic scored from the spot kick after he was brought down by Van Dijk inside the penalty box.
Not only it is rare to hear Van Dijk give away penalties but to get himself dribbled past is also an unusual phenomenon. I was shell-shocked when Van Dijk committed himself. There were discussions that Mitrovic could have possibly dived but VAR showed that the big Dutchman did touch the Serbian in the process.
Liverpool were on the brink of defeat with only 10 minutes left to play but guess who stepped up when it matters again? Mohammed Salah!
Salah had a quiet 90 minutes, but his equaliser to rescue Liverpool a point was good enough to prove how important he is for the team. Salah tapped in from close range after Nunez assisted him inside the penalty box.
Clearly, this Liverpool side is missing Sadio Mane. The Senegalese star was a massive hit at the kop and often comes to the rescue in times of need. The Salah-Mane link-up will be missed but Nunez looks promising.
Nunez was criticised during pre-season friendlies as he failed to convert some clear goalscoring chances but he has certainly proved his resilience and worth since scoring in the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend.
He's hungry and wants to win the ball and score goals. That's what Liverpool needs, and that's why the Reds shouldn't and won't miss Mane's absence because Nunez has shown us all that he can fill in the gap and deliver what the team requires out of him.
Overall, Liverpool's performance could have been better if they had converted the chances they had. Another worry was to see Thiago being substituted due to an injury.
While Nunez is considered a strong candidate for the Golden Boot at the end of the season, here's a reminder that he's got competition in Manchester City's new boy, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has arrived too, and he has a 2-1 lead against Nunez after scoring a brace against West Ham United in the final match of the weekend last night.
Regular penalty takers are usually Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez, but Haaland was given the green light to convert after winning the spot kick all by himself in the first half.
Also, the team thought it would be a fitting way for him to introduce himself by getting on the scoresheet. Calm and composed as a veteran striker, the boyhood City fan scored and hit his famous meditation pose.
City dominated the majority of the game. West Ham looked exposed and lost their confidence after losing their number one, Fabianski through injury. Areola, who stepped in, got off to a bad start after conceding the penalty.
Haaland's second goal came after West Ham's back four were completely exposed, leaving the Norwegian with no one to fight with except a helpless Areola.
A much-deserved win for Pep's side but it's just the first game. We have 37 to go, and anything can happen in the remaining games.
City won, Liverpool drew. What about Erik ten Hag's United? New season, new players, new manager, but same old United? Or is it too early to say anything? Yes, United lost 2-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Drink that in folk. I think most of the Manchester United fans would agree that until and when United make some serious changes in their defensive line-up, they have to get used to seeing winless results.
Ronaldo and Varane were benched, and God knows why. Ten Hag, this is not the Dutch league, this is the English Premier League, where teams like Brighton plays like Barcelona and can cause upsets.
Ronaldo's decision to return to England was probably one he wish he never made. Harry Maguire is still the captain and starts. I thought someone as influential as ten Hag would make changes many fans were wishing for, but it looks like he is going to remain.
It is time ten Hag makes the right move and make the fans happy by making sure his team delivers.
