AnalysisFive talking points from Liverpool 4-1 Luton Town
Read our talking points from Anfield as Liverpool came from behind to defeat Luton Town 4-1 in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
After conceding to Chiedozie Ogbene’s 12th-minute opener, the Reds turned the game around in the second half with goals from Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott.
Here are five things we spotted during the match…
Another second-half turnaround
This was yet another chapter of how this Liverpool side never stop, never give in and never settle.
A frustrating opening 45 minutes was put in the past by two goals within the space of 125 seconds in front of the Kop.
Van Dijk’s header from an Alexis Mac Allister corner drew the Reds level before Anfield exploded with noise when Gakpo added the finishing touch to a move off a quick throw-in.
That intensity from the hosts continued and it seemed like a case of when – rather than if – they would add to their advantage.
Diaz and Elliott provided that cushion to the lead as Jürgen Klopp’s fist pumps at the final whistle expressed his thoughts about the importance of the win.
Bradley shines again
Conor Bradley more than deserved his standing ovation from all four sides of Anfield when he was substituted off in the 68th minute.
The full-back had played a key role in turning this match in Liverpool’s favour with his tenacity down the right flank and quick-thinking by taking the throw-in for 2-1.
Bradley created three chances, completed a pair of successful dribbles, won seven of his duels and three tackles in another brilliant all-round display.
Take a bow.
Five attackers in double figures
Diaz’s 71st-minute finish took his goalscoring tally to 10 in all competitions.
He’s now the fifth Red to reach double figures this season – just the second time for that to occur in the last eight campaigns.
Mohamed Salah leads the way for the team with 19 goals to his name, ahead of Diogo Jota on 14, Darwin Nunez with 13 and Cody Gakpo on 11.
Liverpool are currently the only side in Europe’s top five leagues this term to have five players with 10 or more goals.
Elliott’s big night
It was a proud night for Elliott.
A start for the lifelong Liverpool supporter saw him bring up 100 appearances for the club in all competitions.
At the age of 20 years and 323 days, he became the fourth-youngest player in Reds history to reach three figures. Only Michael Owen, Raheem Sterling and Robbie Fowler were younger.
And the evening got even sweeter for the No.19 when he wrapped up the victory with a lovely curling finish in the closing stages.
Wembley awaits
The Liverpool squad’s pre-match insistence that all focus had to remain on this challenge proved correct.
A Carabao Cup final date with Chelsea at Wembley couldn’t be given a second’s thought as a showing full of character was needed to secure three vital Premier League points.
But now the excitement for Sunday can begin to grow, with the first piece of silverware in the 2023-24 season on the line.
Bring it on.
