Michael Owen criticises 'lucky' Liverpool decision and makes Ryan Gravenberch point
Liverpool were "very lucky" to be awarded a penalty, according to former striker Michael Owen.
The Reds were handed a lifeline in their clash against LASK on Thursday when Philipp Ziereisi was adjudged to have fouled Luis Diaz, shortly before the hour-mark. Darwin Nunez converted from 12 yards to restore parity after Florian Flecker opened the scoring, Liverpool went on to brush past the Austrian Bundesliga side as Diaz and substitute, Mohamed Salah were also on target.
A draw elsewhere in Group E between Toulouse FC and Union Saint-Gilloise meant that the Reds top the standings after just one game. Union SG are visitors to Anfield in the next Europa League outing which may see Alexis Mac Allister line up against his brother Kevin.
It was far from a perfect Liverpool performance, as they had to come from behind to claim the points. Owen felt Klopp's side were lucky to have an avenue back into the game.
VERDICT: What LASK players did on pitch after full time as FSG supremo watches on
Moises Caicedo agent reveals why Liverpool lost out to Chelsea in £115m transfer
"I thought they were very lucky to get the penalty, I didn't think it was a penalty at all," he said.
Ryan Gravenberch was handed a full Liverpool debut in Linz as he picked up his first assist for the club. He made a bursting run forward after Harvey Elliott's pass in behind before expertly picking out Diaz in the box to give the visitors the lead.
It was a worrying end for the Dutchman as he was forced off after receiving treatment for the Reds. However, the Liverpool boss downplayed concerns citing the 21-year-old's withdrawal was through cramp.
Owen was full of praise for Gravenberch and his role in handing his new club the lead, adding: "There was no
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
