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Posted by Sam Brydges on 09/16/2009

When in my last piece I spoke of Anfield being a footballing church I didn't expect to be welcomed by the Liverpool fans with a hastily arranged special Saturday service.

Prior to kick off the reds fans roared to their hymn Never Walk Alone which led me to believe that both sets of fans were going to contribute to a fantastic atmosphere. But while the Claret's played their part our opponents were pretty much subdued for the whole ninety minutes despite the 4-0 scoreline; in fact I'm not sure Emmanuel Adebayor or even Kanye West could've got them going.

I truly believe fans in the higher echelons of the Premier League are spoilt and almost can’t be bothered unless it’s a top four clash, derby or a so called “great European night”. I just hope the Debrecen supporters making the trip from Hungary tonight aren’t overly expectant about the Anfield experience.

Unlike their fans, the Liverpool players were excellent and just like Chelsea two weeks earlier showed us exactly what being in the Premier League is all about. In our wins against Manchester United and Everton we were the team that harassed and closed down forcing our opponents into simple errors, but this time we were played at our own game by a tremendous high tempo Liverpoool.

Our midfield were never in the game as Gerrard, Kuyt, Beneyoun and Lucas tore us to shreds while our under the cosh defence understandably succumbed to some sloppy errors.

The great relief after the game was that we were heading back to sanctuary of Turf Moor after two away drubbings against two of the Premier League’s best. Although Sunderland look a good side, it’s against teams like them that we need to pick up points.

Barring Tottenham at the Lane, the next six games represent a real opportunity to add to our already impressive points tally. October pits us against Birmingham, Wigan and Hull City at the fortress while there is also our long awaited trip to Ewood Park that can’t come quick enough.

Some on the phone-ins and messageboards have unbelievably begun to criticise Coyle and call for drastic changes to the team and his tactics. I’m not sure how that’s possible given our last two opponents and I’m quite sure no matter what personnel or formation we’d have applied the results would’ve been almost identical.

There are one or two players though perhaps pushing for a starting berth, Chris Eagles looked hungry and up for the fight when he was introduced at Anfield while its only a matter of time until new signing David Nugent gets his first start after also looking impressive from the bench last weekend.

Whatever eleven starts against Sunderland on Saturday the game represents our chance to really push on and cement our place in the middle of the table for the next month or so. But for the moment I’m just happy to get back to the Turf and hopefully watching us getting a touch of the ball.

Comments

Posted by Noblelox on 09/16/2009

I always enjoy reading the views of real and level headed football fans, no matter how disparaging they may be towards the Anfield faithful ;-)

Having long ago surrendered my Spion Kop season ticket, because the concept of sitting down to watch a football match is an alien concept to me, and I just can't do it. However on the odd occation I have tipped up, it has been painfully obvious that such a large section of the kop is now away day fans from far away. They are all there with their brand new shirt and/or scalf just bought from the club shop, and are far more likely to be armed with a digital camera than a rolled up newspaper to piss down.

The giant maybe stirred slightly with opposition chants of "You're supposed to be at home", "you're not singing anymore" or "Best fans in the world, you're having a laugh!" But basically your opinion is bang on the money, you need to witness a European match or a local derby to see them at their best...

Posted by John William Trotz on 09/17/2009

For 20 0 25 minutes on Saturday it looked like Burnley was up for another of those 1-0 thrillers. Sadly, it didn't last. When you are not scoring, or are scoring only once a game, the pressure on the defense and keeper is staggering. A two or three goal explosion would be like finding the fountain of youth. Hopefully, it will be easier finding a three goal game than finding the fountain of youth.

Posted by kenny on 09/17/2009

intresting reading Sam, well impressed! keep it up. speak soon Kenny :-)

Posted by Rob on 09/17/2009

Nice work, agree with all of the above. Massive 5 weeks coming up........

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