Luis Diaz’s emotional stoppage-time goal helped Liverpool to a point and dodged a historic flop as Luton Town settled for a 1-1 draw with the Reds at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.
Diaz, playing for the first time since his father was kidnapped in Colombia, came off the bench to score an equalizer, raising his shirt to reveal a message of “Libertad para Papa” — freedom for Dad — after making it 1-1 five minutes after the ninety.
WATCH LUTON TOWN v LIVERPOOL FULL MATCH REPLAY
Tahith Chong’s 80th-minute goal made Kenilworth Road erupt, and the newly-promoted Hatters, playing on a ground that wasn’t ready for Premier League standards upon promotion, gritted their teeth for most of the 90 minutes and nearly got a historic win.
Instead, Liverpool get a point that pushes it ahead of fourth-place Arsenal on tiebreakers. Luton, too, pushes ahead of a rival albeit at the other end of the table. The Hatters’ six points are good for 17th place over Bournemouth.
Luton-Liverpool delivers high drama, emotional moments
You had the underdogs clenching down on the bone, looking for a historic upset that would ring out in Premier League history.
You had the favorites grabbing their heads in frustration after missed chances, then finding themselves behind after a lethal counter attack.
Then came Luis Diaz, subbed into the game in one of the most trying times of his life.
And, of course, he scored.
“It’s a wonderful moment but it doesn’t change the situation,” said Jurgen Klopp. “The most important thing is that his father gets released. It’s wonderful that he wants to be here and he gets that but that’s it. A super important goal and very important for him and emotional, but that’s it.”
“When he’s on the pitch, he’s always involved in special things. We knew he would be a threat. We didn’t know how long he could play. But that’s not the important part. We need some improvement in Colombia.”
Jurgen Klopp reaction to Liverpool’s effort
“Credit to Luton, how they defend but it was mainly up to us. We had a lot of chances and we should’ve had much more. The goalie had a few saves to make but not too many. It’s a tricky task to stay fully concentrated and I think first half, one of the biggest chances is Ryan with the ball slalom through their lines but we had these moments that were not clear enough. We had to bring the game in a different direction. I don’t know what we had with possession and stuff like this. If you look at the game we didn’t deserve more than a point. We could’ve won and we should’ve won, but Luton deserves it. It was a good atmosphere and we should’ve done better.”
What’s next?
Liverpool heads to Toulouse for a 12:45pm ET Thursday kickoff in the Europa League before returning to Anfield for a tricky fight with Brentford at 9am ET Sunday.
Luton heads to Manchester United for a 10am ET Saturday kickoff.
Luton Town vs Liverpool final score: 1-1
Goal: Chong (80'), Diaz (90'+5)
Luis Diaz goal video: Super sub’s memorable moment levels the line
This spectacle didn’t need anything else to be memorable, but it’s impossible not to be in awe of what the sport’s given us on Sunday.
Luis Diaz rises to nod home in his first appearance since the abduction of his father in Colombia, revealing a shirt that says “Libertad para Papa” — freedom for Dad. A touching and somber moment.
Liverpool now turns its attention to pushing for a winner.
Tahith Chong goal video: Luton’s lethal counter attack puts history in the offing
Who would’ve saw this?
Yes, Luton Town is a group of fighters but this was an almost ruthless Liverpool coming into town to fulfill a fixture.
Problem is, Liverpool barely registering anything other than an intention to take what had been given to them by simply getting off the bus.
And now Luton has raced the length of the pitch, led by ex-Everton man Ross Barkley no less, to beat Alisson through an ex-Manchester United man and you have to say they deserve their lead!
What a goal!
How to watch Luton Town vs Liverpool live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 11:30am ET (Sunday, Nov. 5)
TV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com
Luton Town lineup
Your Super Sunday Hatters. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/MsJi7MWlSl
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) November 5, 2023
Liverpool lineup
How we line up to take on Luton Town. 📋#LUTLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 5, 2023
Focus on Luton Town
The Hatters are true to who they are, the players understand the system and they are a real nuisance from set-piece and counter attacking situations. Luton will look to keep it tight and get 10 men behind the ball before pouncing and the longer they can keep it level, the more belief will grow that a famous upset can occur. Mads Andersen, Dan Potts, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Reece Burke all remain out, while Amari’i Bell and Jordan Clark are close to returning.
Focus on Liverpool
The Reds have found a settled midfield and in attack it looks like Darwin Nunez is finally finding his form as he’s scored in each of his last three outings. Dominik Szoboszlai has been superb on the right-side of a midfield three and his link-up play with Mohamed Salah and Nunez has been a joy to watch. In injury news, Liverpool are still without Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic, while Andy Robertson has had shoulder surgery and won’t return until early 2024. Luis Diaz has been on compassionate leave after his parents were taken hostage in his homeland of Colombia, with his mother now safe but his father still missing. Klopp has confirmed that Diaz has been training with Liverpool this week and will only return to action when the player wants to.
Mohamed Salah goals this season - He’s on fire
The Egyptian King is quietly leading Liverpool’s charge on all fronts, as they’re perfect with three wins from three in the Europa League, sitting just off the top of the table and are in League Cup quarterfinals. Salah has 10 goals in 13 games in all competitions, including eight in 10 Premier League games. Salah, 31, shows no signs of slowing down and 196 goals in 318 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool. He has scored 30 or more goals in four of his six full seasons with Liverpool, scoring 23 and 27 in the other two campaigns.
