Jurgen Klopp’s team have 60 points after 26 matches, four points above Manchester City and five clear of Arsenal, although both chasing teams have a match in hand. Luton Town remained in 18th.

Luton’s Chiedozie Ogbene shocked the Anfield faithful with a goal in the 12th minute and Liverpool, who were missing several key players including Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, trailed at half-time of a league home match for the first time this season.

But Liverpool came out after the break in top gear. Van Dijk scored in the 56th minute, shaking off a defender to head in a corner from Alexis Mac Allister and Gakpo headed in Mac Allister’s pinpoint cross two minutes later. Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott added to Liverpool’s lead in the 71st and 90th minutes.