Liverpool were unable to secure all three points at Kenilworth Road as they were held to a 1-1 draw by newly promoted side Luton Town in the Premier League.
In the dying moments of injury time, Luis Diaz scored to rescue a point for the Reds. Liverpool missed several chances, most notably Darwin Nunez’s sitter in the second-half.
The hosts took the lead in the 80th minute when substitute Tahith Chong added the finishing touch to a counter-attack. However, Diaz, who came off the bench, headed in Harvey Elliott’s cross in the 95th minute.
As a result of the draw, Liverpool are now third in the league table with 24 points, trailing leaders Manchester City by three points.
In this analysis, Neil Andrew (@bleedinglfcred) dissects Liverpool’s below-par performance, Darwin Nunez’s missed opportunities, and Luis Diaz’s return to action.
Liverpool have picked up two points from their last three away league games. A concern for Jurgen Klopp taking into consideration the number of chances they had against Luton Town?
Neil: I wouldn’t be concerned just yet. We all know the circumstances around the defeat at Tottenham and we had big chances to put both Brighton and Luton away. This is still a relatively new team so there are going to be some teething problems which will hopefully iron out over the coming weeks.
Darwin Nunez has made a fine start to the season after struggling last term. He wasted several goal-scoring chances at Kenilworth Road including a sitter. Disappointed with his finishing?
Neil: To be fair to Nunez, he was Liverpool’s best forward on the day and looked really sharp and confident early on. In saying that, he could have done a bit better with the shot that hit the bar in the first half and should have scored the chance from Mohamed Salah’s knockdown.
I would be more concerned if he wasn’t getting chances however as all strikers, including Erling Haaland miss big opportunities. That’s not to say he cannot improve and his composure in front of goal is certainly one area to work on.
Mac Allister was poor against Luton and many fans have called for him to be used further up the pitch, not in the defensive role. Do share the same sentiment?
Neil: I do want to see Mac Allister further forward as I believe his creativity will add another dimension to this team. It’s hard to criticise him when it’s not his normal position but we cannot hide behind the fact that he does get caught on the ball in dangerous areas. It will be interesting to see if Wataru Endo is called upon with Macca now suspended and if he performs whether he will get a run in that role.
A magic moment for Luis Diaz and it’s a testament to the 26-year-old’s mental strength regarding the ongoing situation with his father.
Neil: It was a lovely moment for Lucho and hopefully provided at least some respite for him during what must be a horrendous period for him and his family. Let’s hope there is now a speedy resolution regarding the situation with his father to bring this awful matter to an end and bring peace to the family.
What changes would you make against Toulouse on Thursday night in the Europa League?
Neil: I would stick with the same game plan as previous Europa matches of making wholesale changes. It is a formula that has worked well so far and one poor result against Luton should not deter us from doing the same again.
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