Can Andoni Iraola really turn Anfield back into a fortress for Liverpool?
The battle on the pitch feels anything but easy.
Liverpool held their own for most of the game against a Manchester City side that arrived unbeaten.
But after Ryan Gravenberch’s red card in the 62nd minute, they folded into a 3‑0 loss.
Iraola told Match of the Day, “We played two different games: one before the dismissal and one after.”
“For an hour the lads were sharp. Once the man went off, City simply outclassed us.”
His unbeaten run ended, marking his first Premier League defeat in 24 matches (W10, D13) since January, including his Bournemouth spell.
Now Liverpool have gone three home league games without a win, though they have still triumphed at Anfield in the Champions League and Carabao Cup – a rare double.
The league drought at Anfield stretches back to last season, leaving the Reds winless in five consecutive home Premier League fixtures (D4 L1).
Former defender Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live, “The world’s best teams can be dreadful to face. Liverpool aren’t dreadful.”
“They’re an easy touch right now. Too many players are complacent and that must change.”
“Liverpool have a lot of work ahead.”
“Only Virgil van Dijk shouts orders; the squad lacks leaders.”
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Is there an Anfield problem?
Since the year began, Liverpool have secured just four victories in 13 Premier League matches at Anfield.
In fact, they’ve won more points away than at home during that stretch.
A deeper dive shows home form slipping season after season since 2023‑24, though the current sample remains small.
Visiting sides win only 12.5 % at Anfield – the lowest win rate for any Premier League ground.
Is that fear factor finally fading?
Ex‑Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes told The Good, the Bad and the Football podcast, “When you went to Liverpool under Klopp, the crowd was a massive weapon. It feels gone now… the fans don’t seem fully behind what’s happening.”
“Back then we’d think, ‘How do we get the ball?’ because they pressed you nonstop. Teams now enjoy more possession and look far more comfortable.”
His former teammate Nicky Butt added, “Even Fulham five years ago would be beaten before they reached the steps.”
Liverpool have only two away wins this season and sit ninth in the table – the problem is glaring. For my money, they must overhaul their attack immediately.
They’ve netted just seven goals overall, only two at Anfield, and only seven clubs have scored fewer.
Early in the first half the cameras showed Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai in the Main Stand – all three sidelined with injuries.
Those three have contributed six of Liverpool’s seven league goals this term, yet against City’s class they offered no quality in the final third.
City’s 16 goals this season more than double Liverpool’s seven in the top flight.
In three league games at Anfield this campaign, Liverpool have failed to score in two – a stat that must improve.
With Isak missing, Lewis Koumas worked hard, but the 21‑year‑old still lacks a killer instinct in front of goal.
All eyes were on Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola; a match‑winning moment was needed, yet neither lived up to their £100 m price tags.
At 0‑0 in the 55th minute, Wirtz had Kerkez and Barcola wide open to his left, but he chose to shoot and missed the target.
“You learn a lot from games like today,” Iraola said. “I’m proud of the effort and work rate. It’s a loss, but I liked the performance.”
Deep down, Iraola knows the big signings must deliver, and that will dominate his agenda.
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