The Anfield atmosphere is one of the strongest weapons in football

The power of the Anfield crowd has manipulated the outcome of many fixtures in Liverpool’s history. Regardless of Liverpool’s strength on the pitch, it always provides the team with the upper hand in home ties. The latest edition of Liverpool’s home fans elevating the team’s performance levels was against Arsenal. Jurgen Klopp’s side fought back from two goals down to dent their opposition’s title aspirations.

How Liverpool fought back against Arsenal

Arsenal firmly dominated the occasion up until the 40th minute. Mikel Arteta’s side repeatedly picked Liverpool’s pockets in possession and mounted dangerous counterattacks. Gabriel Jesus’ header had Arsenal two goals in front within half an hour. The game seemed over, and Liverpool showed little signs that they could forge a comeback. But Granit Xhaka ignited the crowd shortly before halftime. A late challenge and a subsequent scuffle brought Anfield to its feet once again. Xhaka’s act was the catalyst for Klopp’s side’s momentum for the remainder of the game. Liverpool fought back to 2-2 in a chaotic end-to-end contest. In the latest football odds, Manchester City are now the favourite to win the Premier League title at odds of 8/11. Even in a disappointing season, the Anfield atmosphere has had dramatic implications on the title race.

Jürgen Klopp has never lost a Premier League home game against Arsenal:

◎ 3-3
◉ 3-1
◉ 4-0
◉ 5-1
◉ 3-1
◉ 3-1
◉ 4-0
◎ 2-2

Bobby Firmino ensures the streak continues. 😀 pic.twitter.com/CIMraCDrTH

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 9, 2023

It is not the first time that the home crowd has cheered Liverpool on to achieve incredible results this season. The seven-goal victory against Manchester United remains firm in the memory. Earlier in the season the blue half of Manchester left empty-handed after a stunning counter-attacking display from the Reds. The Anfield crowd pushed Liverpool to fight for every second ball and to put their bodies on the line against the relentless attacking pressure of Pep Guardiola’s team

The Anfield crowd in the UCL

The fightback against Arsenal was just a recent example of Anfield’s power in big games. There have been countless occasions of its ability to influence results in Europe as well as league fixtures. In recent history, the UEFA Champions League tie against FC Barcelona was a shining example. Liverpool’s side was depleted by injuries heading into the semi-final second leg. Liverpool also trailed by three goals making the prospect of overturning the deficit almost unthinkable. But on that night the Anfield crowd did not need an invitation to come to life. From the offset, the crowd roared for Klopp’s side to fight for an unlikely place in the final in Madrid. The first step in Liverpool’s revival came early on through Divock Origi. The atmosphere was proving tough for Barcelona to handle. Jordi Alba made a mess of controlling a long ball with the Anfield cauldron already playing its part. The phase ended with Jordan Henderson’s effort being saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but Origi was there to net the follow-up.

The Barcelona team failed to maintain possession for long periods throughout the fixture. The crowd constantly demanded that Liverpool regained control of possession. The crowd reached even higher levels in terms of decibels in the second half. Georginio Wijnaldum put Liverpool a goal away from levelling the tie and within minutes he had added a second. The Kop end metaphorically attracted the equaliser into the Barcelona net. Following the Dutchman’s first goal, Barca struggled to play through Liverpool’s press and immediately ceased possession. The winning goal was somewhat of an inevitability. The crowd’s relentless noise had mentally shot Lionel Messi’s side and they had no response to offer.

🗣️ Klopp on Wijnaldum: “One of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.”#UCL pic.twitter.com/Ba4IPAPI4X

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 10, 2021

Origi netted the winner on that fateful night. An occasion that perhaps could have only ever happened on Merseyside in one of the world’s most famous stadiums. Anfield is well known for its ability to influence games and help produce unimaginable results. Even in poor form, it continues to help the side deliver against the top teams, regardless of the disparity in quality.