'Sitting second in the league is lovely to see'

Former Liverpool striker Tash Dowie says Jurgen Klopp's side are in a strong position heading into the international break, but still have midfield issues.

The Reds returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday, which Dowie said was important for morale with a tough test against Manchester City next up.

"It was nice to be home again after a disappointing couple of weeks. Having Virg [Virgil van Dijk] back made a massive difference," Dowie told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.

"Against a better team we would have been punished on a couple of occasions. There was one occasion when Brentford were through on goal and Alisson had to make a massive save and we were only 1-0 up at that time.

"The momentum of the game could have switched. It was just one long ball and he was through one on one. Moments like that just can’t happen. It’s a situation from the midfield holding role that I don’t think we have.

"I felt the second half was very comfortable and, especially with City being our next opponent, we needed to get back on track. A good day and sitting second in the league is lovely to see."

Hear more post-match reaction from 27'40 on BBC Sounds