Reds with many absent and surprised by Ogbene’s goal. In the second half, however, Anfield roars and Van Dijk, Gakpo, Diaz and Elliott score: it ends 4-1
@
malfitoto
All confirmed. Liverpool are certified as the team with the highest number of points obtained from a disadvantaged situation, which after this latest comeback becomes 22 out of the 60 collected so far. The ones who paid the price in this case were Luton Town, who had not managed to score at Anfield for thirty years and had never won at this venue. In fact, the historic center of Ogbene was of no use at the start of the race. The defense collapsed in the second half, when headers from Van Dijk and Gakpo and then the signing of a wild Diaz effectively put an end to the midweek Premier League match (the Reds will be involved in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, ed.). Elliott puts the exclamation point on it as time expires, for the final 4-1.
the match
—
Added to the numerous defections for Liverpool are those of Nuñez and Salah. So Klopp relies on a light and very mobile trident, made up of Diaz, Gakpo and Elliott. Luton maintains the classic 3-4-3 formation. The large gap in the standings immediately translates into the progress of the match, with the Reds playing the game and the guests acting as a throw-in. Diaz’s movements in depth are a puzzle that is difficult for opponents to solve. So, in the 5th minute, the Colombian cuts across the field, receives from Elliott and comes back, but his shot ends up wide. Five minutes later Gakpo scores a spectacular overhead kick, which Kaminski blocks without too many problems. As soon as Luton established themselves in Liverpool’s half for a few seconds, thanks to a throw-in, they broke the deadlock. Chong wedges himself well into the area and shoots diagonally; Kelleher opposes as best he can, Ogbene heads the fastest for the tap-in that seals the match. Klopp’s team further raises the center of gravity, but crashes into the bastions set up by Edwards. The usual Diaz, shortly after the half hour mark, creates a danger by trying a split following Gakpo’s suggestion.
the recovery
—
Luton made a substitution at half-time, bringing on Pelly in place of Lokonga, who came off with a physical problem. In the 51st minute Liverpool complained – legitimately – about a penalty kick: on Diaz’s attempt, Osho turned and countered with his wide arm, however for the referee team led by Madley it was not a foul. The Reds’ push grows as the minutes pass, Kaminski is forced to save at the near post on Gakpo (56′). It’s the prelude to the equalizer that comes from the next corner: Mac Allister draws the trajectory, Van Dijk doesn’t even need to jump for the header. The Luton goalkeeper did it again in the 58th minute, opposing Bradley’s shot with his foot, which was slightly dirtied by a deflection, but as the action continued the comeback was effective. Mac Allister again plays in the centre, Gakpo improvises as a consummate centre-forward and Liverpool goes to the net again through the air. Klopp’s team is frenetic, Gakpo and Van Dijk enhance the reflexes of Kaminski who sees balls coming from all sides. The banner of the finish line begins to be seen in the 71st minute: Luton loses possession of the attacking midfield, Diaz leaves Mengi in place and finally scores a deserved goal. The Colombian tries again with a shot at the spot, Kaminski avoids the worst and responds with similar dynamics on Elliott (76′). However, the poker came in the 90th minute with Elliott nullifying Mengi’s providential save on Gakpo. The word, therefore, can pass to Manchester City and Arsenal.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED