Anfield ready to roar Liverpool to title

Liverpool fans have been waiting a long time for a Premier League title. So long in fact, that half of the fan base has never seen them win the domestic league.

The desire is so strong, and fans want it so much, that the start of 2019 saw more and more nerves start to creep in.

This nervous energy peaked on a freezing, snowy night at the end of January. A night which saw Liverpool labor to a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester City.

The crowd that night were not frightening. They were frightened. Consumed by dread at what could happen if the door is left ajar for Manchester City to sneak back in and rob them of the coveted trophy.

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These nerves and feelings displayed themselves in what was an overwhelmingly uneasy atmosphere. Silence for long periods, groans at others, and gasps aplenty. It trickled down onto the pitch and several players threw in their worst performances in over a year.

The truth is that it simply means so much to so many that the pressure got to the fans arguably more than it did the players.

So what’s changed?

Well, nothing really. In fact, Liverpool are in a more precarious situation now than they were ahead of the Leicester game.

The key is that the fact the crowd performance carried over into actual team results. It was a wake-up call for supporters to stop overthinking everything and assess what they are in this for.

As fans, we all desperately want to see the Reds lift the league trophy in May. However, the only way we can help this become a reality is to support. There is no time for if’s, but’s, and maybe’s. Various permutations are not important.

This Liverpool side is incredible and supporters needed a reality check to remind them that they should be enjoying the ride, not worrying about May.

This is precisely why Anfield witnessed a special atmosphere on Saturday against Bournemouth. A 3pm kick-off against a mid-table team seemed more akin to one of the memorable European nights.

The players felt this as well. Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, Andy Robertson left little to interpretation, stating:

"“Even when we came out for the warm-up, it was a good reception and you could tell the fans were up for it. We were up for it already“We couldn’t wait to get out to get the warm up done and get started“It makes a huge difference. Some people go to the game and maybe don’t understand how important they are at affecting it but they are”."

It could not be clearer that the Liverpool players are positively impacted by the Anfield support. This is an often neglected fact.

When considering the famous Anfield atmosphere, most discussions are had in the context of how it negatively affects the opposition. How intimidating it is for traveling teams to have to play in.

Little mention is made of how it has the reverse effect on the home side. Liverpool players are buoyed by the noise. They thrive off it.

Who cares if other teams believe they can handle it and it won’t impact their performance. It makes no difference if it is lifting the Mighty Red’s up a level to a point they are almost unplayable.

Hats off to those who said enough was enough this week and were instrumental in organizing banners, getting people into the ground early, and generating that atmosphere.

Liverpool have six home league games left. That’s six more times for supporters to go and have an impact on the title race and help their side over the line.

Up the Reds.