Liverpool 3-1 Manchester City: Nunez nets in Community Shield triumph

Darwin Nunez capped a memorable debut with a clinching header as Liverpool earned a 3-1 victory against Manchester City in the Community Shield.

The Uruguay international nodded home from close range deep into injury time to confirm the first silverware of the season heads to Merseyside after an energetic, enthralling encounter at Leicester's King Power Stadium.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's first-half strike had been cancelled out by Julian Alvarez with 20 minutes to go, before Mohamed Salah put the Reds back on top from the penalty spot.

It was then Nunez whose goal made sure Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp completed his career clean sweep of elite English domestic honours.

The new man was forced to wait for his debut, however, after being initially named on the bench, and Liverpool did not look to need him thanks to an energetic start out of the gates.

Alexander-Arnold unfurled a fabulous strike from the edge of the box in off the left post in the 21st minute, while miscued chances for City's star buy Erling Haaland left Pep Guardiola with a frustrating first half on his hands.

The introduction of Argentina star Alvarez from the bench proved an inspired move by Spaniard Guardiola, with the former River Plate man flicking home after Phil Foden's saved effort to level matters.

But when Ruben Dias was flagged for a handball from Nunez's header with full-time fast approaching, Salah was able to put the Reds back on top with his low spot-kick.

Nunez's big moment in stoppage time confirmed the result, while Haaland hit the crossbar in the dying moments to sum up his tough day at the office.

What does it mean? First blood to Reds

Since Guardiola took charge at the Etihad Stadium six years ago, City and Liverpool have taken a combined 15 domestic honours from a possible 25 between them, taking into account the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Community Shield.

It is Klopp who has struck first in one of English football's great rivalries this time around, and the German will be determined that it is not the last trophy he wins this season.

It represents a sweet success for Klopp, who wins the Community Shield in his third attempt, after losses to City (2019) and Arsenal (2020).

Nunez joins rare club

There are few better feelings that scoring on debut for a new side, particularly with silverware on the line. In doing so on Saturday, Nunez became just the fourth Liverpool player to achieve the feat under Klopp.

He joins Salah, Virgil van Dijk and the departed Sadio Mane among players to find the back of the net on their maiden competitive appearance.

Haaland struggles on debut

While it might have been the perfect day for Liverpool's flagship signing, it was far from straightforward for his opposite number, who struggled in front of goal.

The Norway international had three shots, and just one on target. Still, at least he made his debut, with former Leeds man Kalvin Phillips left warming the bench all afternoon.

What's next?

The Premier League season gets under way next week with trips to London for both sides, as Liverpool head to promoted Fulham and City make the journey to West Ham.