  The $t\bar t$ plus missing energy channel is one of the most efficient to
detect third-generation leptoquarks (LQs). It offers an important test to
models which explain flavor anomalies in $B$ meson decays. We outline a search
strategy in the channel, relying on tagging the tops and on observables
constructed out of the tops, and we assess the reach on LQs of the future
high-luminosity LHC program. We find that with 3 ab$^{-1}$ a vector (scalar) LQ
decaying 50% (100%) to top and neutrino can be excluded up to masses of 1.96
TeV (1.54 TeV). We also indicate several observables that, in case of a future
discovery in the channel, can be used to distinguish a scalar LQ from a vector
LQ. The implications of our findings to models addressing the recent flavor
anomalies are finally discussed.
