Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly criticised Darwin Nunez for his "unacceptable" behaviour following a crucial missed opportunity in Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
The Uruguayan striker squandered a late chance that could have secured victory for the Reds at Villa Park.
The draw has opened the door for Arsenal in the Premier League title race, with Slot taking particular issue with Nunez's reaction to the miss.
The Liverpool boss addressed the incident on Thursday morning, expressing his disappointment not with the miss itself, but with the forward's subsequent conduct.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly criticised Darwin Nunez for his "unacceptable" behaviour following a crucial missed opportunity in Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa
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'A miss that I can accept,' said Slot. 'What is harder to accept, his behaviour after the chance.'
The Liverpool manager expressed concern that the missed opportunity had affected Nunez's usual work ethic.
'That miss is got too much in his head where he is the usual Darwin that works his a** off,' Slot added.
'I think he was too disappointed after missing that chance'.
Darwin Nunez frustrated Liverpool fans with his poor performance against Aston Villa on Wednesday night
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The manager's frank assessment highlighted his frustration with how the striker's mentality shifted following the crucial error.
Video footage from full-time showed Nunez's poor body language, as he walked alone while his team-mates approached the travelling supporters.
The striker was seen trudging off in isolation, prompting criticism from fans on social media.
One supporter wrote: 'I can accept missing open goals but Nunez was strolling most of the time he was on. Shocking attitude'.
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Another fan commented: 'He's done. I don't like that attitude post match at all.'
The 25-year-old's solitary exit stood in stark contrast to his fellow Liverpool players, who were observed applauding the away fans at Villa Park.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler delivered scathing criticism of Nunez's performance on TNT Sports, labelling the miss 'one of the worst' this season.
'He doesn't think about the game enough,' Fowler said. 'If you're struggling for confidence you've got to go back to basics.'
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The former striker emphasised the need for simplicity in Nunez's game.
'You've got to get the ball, touch it, play it five yards. Play the simple things,' Fowler added.
He was particularly critical of the missed opportunity: 'It's a bad miss, it's a really bad miss - up there with one of the worst we've seen this year.'
'That can't be happening.'
Darwin Nunez appears to be fighting for his Liverpool future following his flat performance against Aston Villa
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Nunez's struggles have been evident throughout the season, with just six goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Despite occasional bright moments, including a memorable double against Brentford, the striker's confidence issues have persisted.
The forward's future at Liverpool came under scrutiny in January amid interest from Saudi Arabia. He was initially linked with Al-Nassr, only for the Saudi Pro League side to swoop for Jhon Duran instead.
