Talking pointsFabinho's prolific form, Turf Moor records and welcome back Sadio

Fabinho’s first-half finish proved the difference versus the Clarets on an afternoon when the Reds had to dig in against the elements and an opponent fighting for everything.

Here are five talking points from the action at Turf Moor…

Prolific Fabinho

Fabinho’s 40th-minute breakthrough owed much to the midfielder’s determination as he forced the ball home at the second attempt when Sadio Mane flicked on a corner from the near-post area.

That increasing scoring knack has been a hugely beneficial addition to the No.3’s already considerable arsenal this season, with his tally for 2021-22 now six goals.

He had netted only three times in his previous three years with Liverpool but has found his shooting boots at a welcome moment for Jürgen Klopp’s men – with five strikes since January 9 – and not least with today’s vital opener against a Burnley side who had caused their fair share of problems during a testing first half.

Fabinho was by far the quickest to react when Mane’s diversion sent the ball into the six-yard box and once again when his initial effort was blocked.

His top concern will always be stopping the opposition first – but long may this form in front of goal continue, too.

Welcome back, Sadio!

Less than a week after the emotional experience of winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in Cameroon, Mane was back in the Liverpool starting XI.

The No.10 had only returned to training with his teammates on Friday afternoon but a disruption to Diogo Jota’s programme due to a dead leg meant Mane was called on earlier than planned.

“Diogo actually, I wanted him to start and Sadio coming from the bench today, but Diogo had a dead leg, couldn’t train yesterday,” explained the manager before kick-off. “We prepared everything with Sad, knowing he knows what to do and all these kind of things.”

And Mane delivered for his club at the first call with a 67-minute outing that included an intelligent assist for Fabinho’s strike among two chances created, three successful dribbles and 11 duels (six won).

For what proved the winner, the forward freed himself into a pocket of space to meet Trent Alexander-Arnold’s left-wing corner with a headed touch that turned the set-piece into a real scoring opportunity for Fabinho.

Great to have you back, Sadio.

Turf Moor success

Sunday’s victory in Lancashire was the Reds’ fifth in a row at Turf Moor in the Premier League – a new club record.

Though they’re at the bottom of the Premier League table currently, the Clarets had not been beaten on home soil in the division since September, a run of six games.

But Liverpool extended a purple patch on the ground that began with a dramatic 2-1 win on the first day of 2018 and has been followed by results of 3-1, 3-0, 3-0 and 1-0.

It was also a third consecutive league clean sheet at Burnley, which matches the club record too.

Keeping it clean

That shutout did come under steady threat as Sean Dyche’s side pressed for a crucial goal in their search for points in the Premier League relegation battle.

But the visitors preserved their clean sheet, with no small gratitude to Alisson Becker, who registered five saves over the course of the 90 minutes.

For all of Liverpool’s outstanding attacking play this season – they have now scored 61 goals in 24 top-flight fixtures – their objectives are being built on solid foundations.

This was their fifth clean sheet in the past seven games in all competitions and a 13th overall in the Premier League this term.

Back to nine points

Manchester City had moved a dozen points clear at the top of the Premier League standings with a 4-0 win at Norwich City on Saturday.

It was over to Liverpool on Sunday, then, as they continue to mount the strongest chase of the pace-setters – and Klopp’s men delivered, too.

They now trail City by nine points again and still have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola’s team, with the visit of Leeds United later this month representing a chance for the gap to be reduced further.

Next up in the league is an Anfield meeting with Norwich next Saturday afternoon, on a day when City host Tottenham Hotspur.