Gary Neville has intimated that Fabinho was largely to blame for the early goal Liverpool conceded against Manchester City this afternoon.
Liverpool fell behind as early as the fifth minute when Kevin De Bruyne’s long-range effort beat Alisson.
Television replays indicate that De Bruyne’s shot took a major deflection off Joel Matip, but Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, has suggested that Fabinho was complicit.
The Brazilian midfielder didn’t look to do enough to prevent the Belgium international from getting around him.
He said live on Sky Sports: “As it got recycled, the ball comes to Kevin de Bruyne off that free-kick and he goes past Fabinho far too easily. It’s the deflection off Matip that causes a massive problem for Alisson and for Liverpool.”
Erratic
It was definitely an erratic first-half display from the former Monaco powerhouse, who cost Liverpool £39 million in 2018 [BBC Sport].
Usually so calm and assured, Pep Guardiola’s outfit look to target him this afternoon and it proved a very effective tactic throughout a fascinating first half.
Diogo Jota levelled up for the Anfield side shortly after De Bruyne’s opener.
However, Gabriel Jesus restored City’s lead 10 minutes before the half-time break.
There’s a lot for Liverpool to ponder during the 15-minute interval, but Jurgen Klopp will certainly be telling Fabinho to raise his game.
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