Fabinho scored his third goal in as many matches to help Liverpool get back to winning ways

Liverpool picked up their first win in four league games with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brentford at Anfield.

Fabinho’s header late in the first half gave the Reds the lead at the break, before second-half goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino capped off a perfect afternoon for the Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Following the disappointing performance in midweek against Arsenal, which lacked creativity in the final third, the Liverpool manager made two changes for Sunday’s Premier League encounter with James Milner and Minamino replaced by Curtis Jones and Oxlade-Chamberlain in the starting 11.

Jones came off the bench against Arsenal on Thursday and immediately had an impact with the Reds’ main threat on the night coming down the left-hand side. It was Jones’ shot in stoppage time that ultimately forced Aaron Ramsdale into his only save of the game.

The first half against Brentford saw Liverpool remain patient with the visitors getting men behind the ball and defending in two blocks of four, which limited the host’s opportunities. For the majority of the half, the Bees were forced to defend deep inside their own half with any out ball to Ivan Toney or Bryan Mbeumo cut off by the ever-impressive Fabinho.

Virgil Van Dijk and Diogo Jota went close in the opening half-hour but as the clock ticked towards half time the Reds finally got their breakthrough. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner bypassed everyone to the back post where Fabinho found himself unmarked to head home for his third goal in as many games.

After his brace in the FA Cup win against Shrewsbury last weekend, the Brazilian was amongst the goals once again, with what you could describe as a poachers goal, finding the back of the net from inside the six-yard box.

At the age of just 28, Liverpool’s number three has been vital in the success of their side since his £43 million pound move from Monaco in 2018. The ability and awareness to intercept passes and win the ball back so frequently allows, the Reds to maintain their high intensity which helps them to break down sides early in games.

Every side has a player who does not get the plaudits they deserve but are vital to their team’s success, and Fabinho is Liverpool’s. Without him in the side, they give away more opportunities and it is easier for the opposition to counterattack.

The biggest example recently was him being substituted away at Leicester. Even though the game was 0-0 Klopp’s side were pushing for a winning goal which left them vulnerable to a counterattack, and without Fabinho in the defensive midfield role, the Foxes did break away with Ademola Lookman scoring the winning goal for Leicester.

Having surpassed 100 Premier League appearances it would be fair to say the former Monaco man is not renowned for his goalscoring abilities, with just five goals in that time. But a recent run of form resulting in three goals from three games could potentially see him find the back of the net more often.

Having secured the 3-0 home win against Thomas Frank’s side, Liverpool go above Chelsea into second, 11 points behind Manchester City with a game in hand. Many have said the title race is already over, but Liverpool will continue to chase down Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Merseyside outfit will now turn their attention to the second leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-final as a trip to the Emirates awaits.

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