The Anfield crowd hold the key to Liverpool being able to beat Arsenal in the Premier League today.
Table-topping Arsenal take on the Reds looking to go eight points clear in the title race. Given the form of both sides, the Gunners go into this one as heavy favourites.
But according to former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp – speaking to Sky Sports last night – Liverpool shouldn’t be written off. Even if it is only because of the ferocity of their home support.
“You just don’t know what Liverpool are going to turn up tomorrow [Sunday]. If they’re the Liverpool we saw against Man United you’re in trouble, if they’re the Liverpool we’ve seen the last few games again, you’ve got big a chance there,” said Redknapp.
“But it’s never an easy place to go. Anfield is a unique place to play football, amazing supporters, anything could happen there tomorrow. That crowd could urge them on to give a real performance again, if they do, it’s going to be a tough day for Arsenal.”
This is Anfield
The Anfield factor is pretty much the only reason anyone is giving Liverpool a prayer against Arsenal today. If this game were decided on the strength of the two teams alone, there would be no contest.
Since August, Mikel Arteta has had his side playing brilliantly. Free-scoring and relentless, the Gunners are deservedly atop the Premier League as we approach the home straight.
Liverpool on the other hand have been a shadow of the side who so very nearly swept all before them last season.
Nevertheless, this is football. The ball is round. Arsenal have an abysmal recent record at Anfield and perhaps that will be just enough to unnerve Arteta’s young team.
Let’s not forget that Liverpool’s last home game – remarkably given that it was over a month ago – was the 7-0 destruction of Manchester United. They were another side who came with title aspirations, albeit misguided ones. The Reds cut them down to size in humiliating fashion.
There’s little to suggest that Arsenal will suffer anything like the same fate tomorrow. But they should also remember that pride often comes before a fall in this special stadium. This is Anfield. Arsenal should bear that in mind if they think this will be a walk over. Come on you Reds!