Nemanja Matic believes Liverpool "would never have lost" 7-2 to Aston Villa if fans were inside the stadium.
The Reds succumbed to a shock defeat at Villa Park in October and Manchester United midfielder Matic referenced the game as an example of how different football can be without supporters.
The Serbian explained how much he misses playing in front of fans and says he hopes they can return as soon as possible for everyone next year.
“It’s come down to having games which all look like carbon copies of each other resembling training sessions with no fans in the stadiums,” Matic told Reuters.
“The coronavirus pandemic has made the circumstances much different and I am sure that Liverpool would never have lost to Aston Villa 7-2 if fans had been present.
“Football has survived, the league is in motion but I sorely miss the noise and the reaction from the terraces.”
United travel to Leicester City on Boxing Day and know that a win will take them just two points behind Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp's men, meanwhile, will play on December 27 when West Bromwich Albion come to Anfield.
