Liverpool fought again from an array of accidents and an early objective conceded to beat Luton 4-1 at Anfield and lengthen their lead on the prime of the Premier League.
Liverpool 4-1 Luton
Premier League (26), Anfield
February 21, 2024
Targets
Ogbene 12′
Van Dijk 56′ (help – Mac Allister)
Gakpo 58′ (help – Mac Allister)
Diaz 71′ (help – Robertson)
Elliott 90′
With nearly all of their strongest XI injured, the Reds began strongly in opposition to their relegation-threatened guests however struggled to take their possibilities.
Two got here for Luis Diaz within the first 5 minutes, first fluffing a one-on-one after Caoimhin Kelleher‘s lengthy ball, then bending a shot vast after being discovered brilliantly by Harvey Elliott.
Elliott was the creator drifting throughout the ahead line, and on his a centesimal look for the membership virtually arrange Cody Gakpo for an opener, however his instinctive overhead kick was saved.
Luton took the lead, nonetheless, with a throw-in routine resulting in Tahith Chong’s effort being diverted into the trail of Chiedozie Ogbene, who headed into an open objective.
Diaz ended the half with as many pictures (six) as the remainder of the Liverpool crew mixed, however with just one heading in the right direction and lacking each large possibilities.
HT: Liverpool 0-1 Luton
Diaz had one other big opening quickly after the restart, having been discovered by Conor Bradley, however his shot was blocked by Teden Mengi, whereas minutes later a penalty shout was waved away.
It was the captain who bought the equaliser, stooping to energy in a header from Alexis Mac Allister‘s nook – the tenth of the evening for Liverpool, after Gakpo’s goal-bound shot was tipped vast.
Liverpool had been forward within the blink of an eye fixed, with Bradley’s good free-kick discovering Mac Allister, who volleyed a cross for Gakpo to go dwelling for 2-1.
Solely a surprising save from Thomas Kaminski stopped Van Dijk from making it 3-1 earlier than the hour, however the goalkeeper may do nothing to cease Diaz from lastly getting his objective halfway via the second half.
On got here debutant Jayden Danns, 18, earlier than the tip, with Jurgen Klopp capable of handle his squad as they present why they’re clear on the prime of the desk.
Danns was concerned as Elliott bought a deserved objective late on, threading via Gakpo and, after the Dutchman was thwarted, the No. 19 fired into the highest nook.
TIA Man of the Match: Luis Diaz
Referee: Andy Madley
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley (Robertson 67′), Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Mac Allister (McConnell 88′), Gravenberch (Clark 78′); Elliott, Diaz (Danns 88′), Gakpo
Subs not used: Adrian, Konate, Tsimikas, Nyoni, Gordon
Luton: Kaminski; Mengi, Osho, Bell; Ogbene, Lokonga (Mpanzu 46′), Barkley, Doughty (Kabore 74′); Morris, Chong (Clark 63′); Woodrow (Townsend 58′)
Subs not used: Krul, Potts, Berry, Burke, Nelson
Subsequent match: Chelsea (N) – Carabao Cup Ultimate – Sunday, February 25, 3pm (GMT)
