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Luton Town felt the full force of Anfield on Wednesday night as Liverpool completed a second half comeback to win 4-1 under the lights. The Hatters went into the half time break a goal to the good, Chiedozie Ogbene heading into an empty net to give Rob Edwards' side a shock lead at the home of the Premier League leaders. However, the Reds came out for the second half reinvigorated, and capitalised on some poor defending to cruise to victory, with goals from Van Dijk, Gakpo, Diaz and Elliot.
It was always going to be a tough task for the Hatters to go to Anfield and come away with anything, but Ogbene had some Town fans believing when he opened the scoring early on. The first half was impressive from Luton, but Liverpool were far too good in the second period, with relentless pressing and decisive finishing. The Town didn't help themselves with some sloppy passing in their own half, but any side in the world would've struggled against a Liverpool side in that form. These games certainly won't be the ones to decide Luton's fate.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 7
The Town conceded four in the end, but it could've been much much worse if it wasn't for the Belgian shot stopper. Kaminski made nine saves in total, and did all he could to help Luton, but in the end the quality of the Premier League leaders shone through.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 6.5
Sent the away fans beserk when he headed home after just 12 minutes, but Ogbene wasn't quite as influential as maybe some fans would've expected, especially with the gaps Liverpool leave. At times he did brilliantly to skip past the first challenge, only to by halted by a covering defender.
Teden Mengi - 7.5
Simply sensational. Despite conceding four, Mengi had an absolute stormer. Up against one of the best wingers in the world in Luis Diaz, it was set to be a tough evening for the centre back, but he made some unbelievable blocks and tackles.
Gabe Osho - 6
Had a couple of difficult games in the last few weeks, and up against a dangerous Liverpool attack it was another tough evening. Osho has been so good all season for the Town, so can be forgiven for having a few off days, especially against a team with the quality of Liverpool
Amari'i Bell - 6
Similar to Osho, never nice for any defender to concede four in one half. Can't place too much blame on the players however, bearing in mind the opposition.
Alfie Doughty - 6
Has really struggled with his final delivery recently, slightly dipping from his usual very high standards. Still got on the ball regularly, finding some space on the left wing. Limped off in the second half which is a real concern for Town fans.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 8
Outstanding first half display from the loanee, was absolutely everywhere and made some crucial recoveries. Limped off for the half time break and never re emerged, badly missed by the Hatters in the second half. A repeat of his hamstring injury from earlier in the season could cause real trouble for Rob Edwards.
Ross Barkley - 6.5
Everything good Luton did attacking wise went through Barkley as usual, and he put in a shift defensively as well. Was slightly complacent on the ball at times, and was dispossessed in the middle on more than one occasion.
Tahith Chong - 6
Started very brightly, and got the assist for Ogbene's goal, but faded very quickly in the second half as Luton struggled off the ball.
Cauley Woodrow - 6.5
Played a big part in the goal, and in the first period his general hold up play was impressive. Clear lack of full match fitness however as his level dropped in the second half.
Carlton Morris - 7
Held the ball up brilliantly up against Van Dijk, and helped bring others into play. Was obviously very isolated up front, but still worked incredibly hard for the team.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu - 5.5
Struggled with the ferocious Liverpool press and attacks, also had a lot to live up to after Lokonga's first half display. Blame shouldn't be placed on Pelly's shoulders but it was far from his best display.
Issa Kabore, Jordan Clark, Andros Townsend - 6
Very little impact when they entered the fray.