Liverpool avoid Luton shock with Diaz’s last-gasp equaliser

Luton Town were denied a historic first home win in the Premier League by a late equaliser from Luis Diaz as Liverpool salvaged a point in a thrilling match.

Diaz, who showed a message of support to his family following recent reports of his father’s kidnapping in Colombia, scored in the fifth minute of added time to cancel out Tahith Chong’s goal that had put Luton ahead in the 80th minute.

The goal was Liverpool’s last of 24 shots in a match that saw Darwin Nunez miss a sitter from three yards out and have nine shots, the most by any player in a match this season.

Liverpool dominated the possession and had the early chances, with Nunez hitting the bar and forcing a save from Thomas Kaminski after a brilliant long pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Luton relied on counter-attacks, with Issa Kabore shooting over the bar after Chiedoze Ogbene outran Alexander-Arnold on the wing.

Mohamed Salah also missed a good chance for Liverpool, before Diogo Jota was denied by Kaminski at his near post as the first half ended goalless.

The second half started with a big chance for Luton. Ogbene again beat Alexander-Arnold and ran half the pitch before his pass was deflected to Carlton Morris, who was stopped by Alisson.

Liverpool then wasted a huge opportunity to take the lead in the 70th minute. Alexander-Arnold set up Salah for a close-range header, but he missed the timing. The ball fell to Nunez, who somehow blasted it over the bar from three yards out.

Liverpool kept pressing, and Kaminski saved from Nunez and Ryan Gravenberch before Luton struck on the break.

Ross Barkley led a counter from his own box and passed to Kabore, who delivered a perfect cross for Chong to slot past Alisson for his first Premier League goal.

Liverpool threw everything at Luton in search of a leveller and were rewarded with eight minutes of added time, which they made use of.

Harvey Elliott crossed to Diaz, who came off the bench to head in at the far post and break Luton’s hearts.

The draw prevents Luton from moving two points clear of the relegation zone, but it does lift them to 17th place, above AFC Bournemouth on goal difference.

Liverpool misses the chance to go second but does move up to third with 24 points, three behind leaders Manchester City. They will, however, be six points behind the leaders if Tottenham Hotspur beat Chelsea on Monday.