Jordan Henderson insists Liverpool home matches are a ‘different ball game’ now fans are back in stadiums.
The Reds faced Burnley in their first Premier League game at Anfield this season and won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane.
Playing in front of an empty arena, Jurgen Klopp’s side lost six straight home games between January and March this year.
However, with Anfield packed out again for the first time in 18 months, Liverpool got the three points and Henderson believes the return of supporters will be a huge boost.
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Asked whether the hosts had to make opposition teams fear visiting Anfield if they are to challenge for the title and wrestle it back fro champions Man City, the Reds midfielder replied: “Yeah, always. Always Anfield people will not like to play, I’m telling you now.
“Without a crowd it’s a totally different game, football was totally different last season with no crowd – not only at Anfield but in general. Now we’ve got the fans back it’s a different ball game.
“And hopefully we can keep our fortress, if you like, and teams won’t like coming here. We’ve got to make it difficult every time they do.”
The 31-year-old also believes the presence of the fans keeps the team going and helps focus too.
“Yeah, it keeps you going at times, definitely, the emotional side of it,” he said.
“Burnley are a good side, they make it difficult – we knew that before the game and they certainly did that with the set-pieces and long balls in behind.
“But I thought overall we dealt with it quite well and we could have scored more goals, if we’re being honest.”
Jota, who scored nine goals in 19 games last season, put the Reds ahead on 18 minutes and the skipper has been impressed with the Portuguese since he returned from a knee injury in March.
“He has got the magic touch,” Henderson said of his team-mate.
“Around the box he’s lively and he manages to make the right runs. And when he gets in front of goal he normally scores. He has been outstanding since he has come back and hopefully he can continue.”
After taking six points from their opening two matches, Liverpool take on Chelsea at home next Saturday.
