Liverpool review – Kop finds a new idol after another great performance against Watford

Fabinho the new idol of Kop

There was an incident shortly after the interval, when Watford, always dangerous on the counterattack, threatened another break from defense.

Fabinho, with his senses tingling, realized what was happening and made the challenge, only to lose his balance and slip to the ground.

This, however, did not stop him from turning on Anfield's lawn and completing a break as he sat on his back.

Kop loved it. And that was the path to Fabinho in recent times, the troubling mistakes of the start of the season now a long, long time ago of the Brazilian.

Watford, all power and rhythm, but without much cunning, was twice frustrated in the half for Liverpool midfielder, doing a short work of Gerard Deulofeu, the former Everton whose attempt to deceive the referee made him the pantomime villain for the rest . .

Fabinho offers more than the occasional occasionally, however.

His ability to read the game – as crucial in a defensive midfield role in a team as vibrant as Liverpool – is unsurpassed in today's squad.

And his range of pass, as likely seen as diagonals playing a short ball needs, contributed to him not only becoming a fan favorite, but an essential part of the team.

Naby Keita, watching from the bench, is right to quote Fabinho as inspiration.

The Brazilian showed what can be done with patience, the right attitude and a lot of talents.

Trent Treble proves his point

Jurgen Klopp has never made any secret of the full role that the sides play in his Liverpool team.

And there was no secret that from that position, the Reds fought against Manchester United over the weekend.

James Milner, playing to the right, saw a lot of ball, but produced little of note, while Andy Robertson was curiously anonymous.

The fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold had been neglected at Old Trafford in favor of the experienced Milner chief surprised many, even considering recent injury concerns.

But if the player himself was angry, this was the right way to channel any frustration.

Alexander-Arnold was a very man on a mission. And there was no better example than the sumptuous and cruel crusade of the right that provided the first goal of Sadio Mane.

The right back played shortly after, finding the Senegalese again for the second goal.

And it was his free kick that took the first lap of Virgil van Dijk.

This was the first time Alexander-Arnold has attended more than once in a Premier League match, how many more times.

Defensively, Alexander-Arnold put the expected work. However, it is his creativity that makes him an asset – and why his absence is always felt.

Support cast winning your prizes

Virgil van Dijk could barely contain himself.

Not content with his first home goal for the Premier League for Liverpool, the Dutchman came in another shortly after, celebrating each and every time in front of the Kop.

However, on a night when many of the top newscasters approached – and during the week of the Oscars – the support cast deserves credit for their contribution.

Few men were expecting James Milner to be the one to enter the midfield after Jurgen Klopp lamented the lack of creativity at the Old Trafford engine room.

But Milner's momentum and aggression proved to be crucial in putting Liverpool in the lead for the first time that turned the game into his favor.

Elsewhere, Van Dijk's partner Joel Matip showed again why he has been one of Liverpool's most consistent performers recently, and Alisson Becker recalled his talent with a clear defense at the end to deny Watford's substitute Andre Gray.

Of course, Everton on Sunday – and as the Blues will want to undermine the title challenge of the neighbors – will be a much more difficult question.

But Liverpool rediscovered their pace at just the right moment.