Tahith Chong almost created a fairy tale for Luton Town against Liverpool with his first Premier League goal. The Dutchman came on as a substitute and scored the opening goal, but in the closing stages of his emotional return, Luis Díaz secured a draw.
Liverpool started with Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch in the lineup at Kenilworth Road, but it was a Luton Town player who emerged as the standout performer in the first half. Belgian goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski kept his team in the game with saves from Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez. Núñez came close to scoring in the first half but the Uruguayan struck the crossbar after a fantastic pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The first half remained goalless, and Liverpool had to dig deep in the second half for the crucial three points. However, Luton Town defended valiantly and gave Jürgen Klopp's team no gifts. The home team had a chance to take the lead after about an hour of play. Chiedozie Ogbene weaved his way beautifully through the Liverpool defense, passed the ball to Carlton Morris, but his shot was blocked at the last moment.
With substitute Cody Gakpo, Liverpool continued to search for the first goal of the night, which should have come in the 71st minute. Mohamed Salah headed the ball back to Núñez, but the striker missed from three meters out (see the miss at the bottom). The game was turned completely upside down ten minutes before the end. Van Dijk's header hit Ross Barkley's arm, and referee Andrew Madley waved it away, allowing Luton Town to counter. Right-back Issa Kabore delivered a perfect cross to substitute Tahith Chong, and the Dutchman calmly slotted home his first Premier League goal past Alisson Becker: 1-0.
Liverpool hurriedly searched for the equalizer in the final stages, and Luis Díaz, who had just come on, made a significant impact. The Colombian played his first minutes since the terrible kidnapping of his parents and was immediately valuable to his team. Harvey Elliot delivered a sharp ball into the penalty area, and Díaz headed in the 1-1 at the far post. After scoring, the winger displayed a shirt with 'freedom for dad.'
Liverpool couldn't secure a victory as Luton Town held on, earning a well-deserved point.
