The Manchester United Lesson That Shows Why Liverpool Might Have Lost Their Anfield Aura

Introduction

Liverpool's stunning 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Anfield in October 2020 was a watershed moment in the club's recent history. It was the first time they had conceded seven goals in a home match since 1963, and it ended a run of 68 unbeaten league games at Anfield stretching back to April 2017.

The result has led to much soul-searching among Liverpool fans and pundits alike. Some have pointed to the departure of key players like Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge as a factor, while others have suggested that the team has become too reliant on its attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino.

However, there is another factor that may have contributed to Liverpool's decline: the loss of their Anfield aura.

What is the Anfield Aura?

The Anfield aura is a term used to describe the intimidating atmosphere that Liverpool creates at home. The stadium is known for its passionate fans, who create a wall of noise that can make it difficult for visiting teams to play.

In recent years, Anfield has become a fortress for Liverpool. The team has lost just one league game at home since the start of the 2017/18 season, and they have won their last 24 league games at the stadium.

However, the defeat to Aston Villa suggests that the Anfield aura may be starting to fade.

Why Has Liverpool Lost Its Anfield Aura?

There are a number of reasons why Liverpool may have lost its Anfield aura.

1. The loss of key players: As mentioned above, Liverpool has lost a number of key players in recent years, including Coutinho, Sturridge, and Emre Can. These players were all important members of the team, and their departure has weakened the squad.
2. A reliance on the attacking trio: Liverpool has become too reliant on its attacking trio of Salah, Mane, and Firmino. These players are all world-class talents, but they cannot win games on their own. The team needs to find a way to create more chances for other players.
3. A lack of investment: Liverpool has not invested heavily in its squad in recent years. The club has not signed a player for a fee of over £50 million since Virgil van Dijk in January 2018. This lack of investment has left the squad looking thin and vulnerable.
4. A change in style: Liverpool has changed its style of play in recent years. The team now plays a more possession-based game, which can be less effective at home. The fans are used to seeing Liverpool play a high-tempo, attacking game, and they may be less patient with the team's new style.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that Liverpool has lost its Anfield aura. The team is no longer as intimidating as it once was, and this is giving visiting teams more confidence.

What Can Liverpool Do to Regain Its Anfield Aura?

Liverpool can take a number of steps to regain its Anfield aura.

• Invest in the squad: The club needs to sign new players to strengthen the squad. These players should be able to add quality and depth to the team.
• Find a new style of play: Liverpool needs to find a new style of play that is more effective at home. The team should play a more attacking game that creates more chances for other players.
• Create a better atmosphere: The fans can play a big role in creating a better atmosphere at Anfield. They need to be more vocal and passionate, and they need to get behind the team even when things are not going well.

If Liverpool can take these steps, they can regain their Anfield aura and become a force to be reckoned with once again.

Conclusion

Liverpool's defeat to Aston Villa was a wake-up call for the club. The team has lost its Anfield aura, and this is giving visiting teams more confidence. However, there are a number of things that Liverpool can do to regain its aura and become a force to be reckoned with once again.