Jamie Carragher has issued a withering verdict on fans who have been too quick to write off Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez early on in their spells with Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
Haaland, 22, joined City from Borussia Dortmund in a £51million transfer this summer, while Nunez, 23, left Benfica for the Reds in a deal worth up to £85million. The latter came in for criticism in mid-July after a glaring miss on his pre-season debut against Manchester United, forcing Jurgen Klopp to publicly defend him.
On Saturday, it was Haaland's turn to face derision from supporters on social media after he fired over the bar from close range during the Community Shield clash with Liverpool, which City lost 3-1. It was an uncharacteristic error for a player who plundered 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund, but Carragher insists only "clowns" will indulge in "banter compilations" of his gaffe at the King Power Stadium.
The Anfield icon took to Twitter to write: The #Haaland banter compilations will be everywhere this week after that miss, just like #Nunez last week. From [clown emoji] who have never kicked a ball in their life." While Haaland had an evening to forget in the Community Shield, Nunez shone after coming off the bench for Liverpool in the second half.
After Julian Alvarez equalised following Trent Alexander-Arnold's opener, Nunez won a penalty for Mohamed Salah to convert before getting on the scoresheet himself with a header to secure victory. The Uruguayan drew lavish praise from Klopp after the match, while Pep Guardiola leapt to Haaland's defence.
"He is strong," the City boss told reporters of the Norwegian. "He missed it and another time he will put it in the net. It happened - it's football. He had another goal disallowed because the ball was out of the line.
Who will score more goals in the Premier League this season: Erling Haaland or Darwin Nunez? Have your say in the comments!
"He has this talent and he will do it. I am not concerned or worried about that. I would be happy if he scored and we win but we have a long season ahead of us. It is so intense. He is going to help us, I am pretty sure about that."
Haaland will have the chance to answer his critics as City begin their defence of their Premier League crown against West Ham next Sunday. Liverpool, who finished one point behind the Sky Blues in last season's thrilling title race, are in action away to Fulham in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.
