Jurgen Klopp admitted his Liverpool team did not deserve to beat Luton Town on Sunday evening, as the Reds were held to a surprise 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
Tahith Chong scored the opening goal for the home side on 80 minutes and looked like he had secured a famous victory, but substitute Luis Diaz scored a headed equaliser in stoppage time.
Liverpool did have chances, especially Darwin Nunez who missed an incredible opportunity but fired over from close range, but the Hatters defended brilliantly to limit their opponents.
Klopp said his team could and should have won, but their inability to break down Luton meant that they cannot claim to deserve a victory.
After his Liverpool squad was held to an unexpected 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on Sunday night, manager Jurgen Klopp said his players did not deserve to defeat Luton Town.
After scoring the first goal for the home team on minute 80, substitute Luis Diaz equalized with a header in stoppage time, giving the impression that he had sealed a historic triumph.
Liverpool did had opportunities, most notably from Darwin Nunez, who wasted a fantastic chance but missed the mark from close range, but the Hatters played outstanding defense to keep their opponents to a minimum.
Although Klopp’s team might and ought to have prevailed, they are unable to justify their triumph because they were unable to penetrate Luton’s defense.
Credit to Luton, how they defend, how they set-up of course,’ Klopp told Sky Sports. ‘We had a lot of chances and we should have had much more.
‘The goalie had a few saves to make but not too many from close range. It’s a tricky task to stay fully concentrated.
‘I think the first half the biggest chances is Ryan [Gravenberch] with the ball, slalom through the lines and the ball to Diogo [Jota] and he’s in a rush. These moments we were not clear enough, not convinced enough to bring the game in a different direction.
Klopp said to Sky Sports, “Credit to Luton, how they defend, how they set up of course.” We should have had a lot more opportunities, but we still had plenty.
The goaltender needed to make a few saves, but not many of them were close calls. Maintaining complete focus is a challenging endeavor.
“I believe that in the first half, Ryan [Gravenberch] had the best opportunities. He had the ball, slalomed through the lines, and passed it to Diogo [Jota], who was in a hurry.” In these instances, we lacked the clarity and conviction to change the course of the game.
