Liverpool making Anfield a fortress again

In doing so, he also created the modern day atmosphere in this famous old stadium, and the history of emotional support that played such a crucial role in attracting Jurgen Klopp to Liverpool.

Clearly, Klopp has already tapped into the power of this place. The German has now gone 12 games unbeaten at home, and is beginning to suggest – as this facile victory over Watford proved – the fortress is being rebuilt.

Yes, the contest at times had the air of a summer season show, and yes, a Watford side with one eye on their holidays (and no doubt the departure of their manager) were not entirely the most demanding of opponents.

But the fact is, Klopp made eight changes to his side on an afternoon when they could have been forgiven for taking their eye off the ball and extending it towards Basel...and they instead produced a performance of intensity.

That they did it with youngsters like the impressive Kevin Stewart, Jordon Ibe and Sheyi Ojo in the line up, and with outstanding (and yet somehow back-up) players like Joe Allen and Lucas, shows the German is beginning to deliver on his word to make Anfield intimidating again.

Of course, it was on Thursday in the rarified European atmosphere, but here, the visitors were put under so much pressure they eventually cracked, as Allen and Philippe Coutinho led a high pressing game that made even the crowd feel exhausted.

This high tempo game meant that as soon as Watford switched off, they were punished. First, when a quick free kick caught them napping and Coutinho's ball allowed a seemingly rejuvenated Christian Benteke to nod down for Allen – after an impressive run – to steer home.

That came before half time, and after the break, another loss of concentration saw Ojo cleverly block Anya's clearance which gave substitute Roberto Firmino the chance to race away and blast through the disappointing Heurelho Gomes.

And that was it. Liverpool were dominant, Anfield was too intimidating for Watford whose manager admitted as much afterwards, even though his side did create chances – through the presence of Troy Deeney – which saw Odion Ighalo twice force fine saves from Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool could have scored many more though, with Ibe firing wide late on and Coutinho and Benteke coming close on several occasions.

Klopp has only lost three of 24 games at home since arriving, and he promised afterwards that stat would only get better as Liverpool work on making this ground invincible.

And only then will he allow his players to touch that famous 'This Is Anfield' sign, because then, it truly will be Anfield.

Source: Mirror

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