Loss of Anfield's Fear Factor Plagues Liverpool

It is early days, but Andoni Iraola will know that if his time at Liverpool is going to be a success, then he must make Anfield a fortress again. Right now, the struggle is real. Liverpool were impressive for the most part against a Manchester City side that arrived on Merseyside with a 100 per cent record. However, once Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute, they capitulated to a 3-0 defeat.

As Iraola said post-match to Match of the Day, they played two different games until the red card and then after. For 60 minutes, the players were very good, but the second phase of the match was where City clearly proved superior. His unbeaten start is now over, marking his first Premier League defeat in 24 games since January, including his previous time at Bournemouth.

The Reds are now winless in three Premier League home matches this season, though they have tasted victory at Anfield in the Champions League and Carabao Cup. This marks just the second time ever that such a domestic home drought has occurred early on. Stretching back to last season, Liverpool are winless in five successive Premier League home games, drawing four and losing one.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock noted that the best teams in the world are also horrible to play against, but Liverpool currently are not. He argued they are an easy touch at the moment with too many nice players, lacking enough leaders on the pitch apart from Virgil van Dijk barking orders.

Going back to the start of the year, Liverpool have won just four games in 13 Anfield Premier League matches. In fact, they have won more matches away from home than at home during this period. A closer look at the statistics clearly shows Liverpool's home form has dropped off season by season since the 2023-2024 campaign, although this season remains a small sample size.

Historically, away sides have a lower win percentage at Anfield than at any other stadium in Premier League history. However, that legendary reputation is starting to dwindle. Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes pointed out that when Jurgen Klopp was there, the crowd played a massive part, but that aura seems to have faded as visiting teams look much more comfortable in possession.

Scholes' former team-mate Nicky Butt added that smaller clubs used to feel beaten before they even walked up the stadium steps, a psychological edge that appears to have vanished. While Liverpool have secured victories on their travels this season, they sit ninth in the league standings with a glaring issue.

They have scored just seven goals this season, finding the back of the net only twice at Anfield, with merely seven teams managing fewer. To climb the table and restore their status as title contenders, Iraola and his squad must urgently rediscover their home dominance and the missing psychological edge.