05 November 2023 , 22:50
362
0
Luis Diaz came up with Liverpool's latest equaliser in the Premier League for almost eight years as he rescued a point at Luton.
The Colombian came off the bench despite his family troubles and headed home deep in stoppage time to deny the Hatters. The point saw the Reds avoid a shock defeat at Kenilworth Road and saw them jump above Arsenal into third place.
Diaz's header looped in with the clock at 94:40 which is the latest time a Liverpool player has scored an equaliser since Divock Origi scored against West Brom to rescue a 2-2 draw back in December 2015. The Belgian scored in front of the Kop before Jurgen Klopp led, what was seen then, as a bizarre celebration.
Many will have expected Liverpool to see off the Baggies so did not even consider any big celebrations. Yet Klopp called all his players to link hands and salute the fans in front of the Kop.
The German, who was then just weeks into his tenure, explained his reasoning behind the celebration: "It was the best atmosphere since I came here. Of course people are disappointed but they didn't let us feel that. They saw that the lads tried everything and played football.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"We stayed in the game, had a few moments where we not so good, but only set plays that cost us. If we can do that better then maybe win games more easily."
Liverpool saluted the Kop in a move which was mocked by rivals at the time (GETTY)Anfield later became a fortress for Klopp, who oversaw an unbeaten home run that spanned almost four years. Crystal Palace beat the Reds in April 2017 and they failed to taste defeat in the league until Burnley beat them in January 2021.
Diaz's goal at Luton helped the Reds avoid a second defeat of the season after they were beaten at Tottenham several weeks ago. The Colombian's family situation has meant his training has been limited but Klopp hailed his impact.
The Reds boss said: "He didn't train a lot and you don't know exactly when you can bring him. The game was obviously a game where another offensive player would make sense. If you bring him with the quality he has and 15, 20 minutes, I don't know exactly how long he played, and he scores the goal, so it's wonderful. That's it."