Nine months. Nine long months the fans have been waiting to greet the Premier League champions. And greet them they did. The world felt normal for the first time in what feels like forever when the Liverpool anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, was once more belted out by the 2,000 fans in attendance.
Though, admittedly, you could have been fooled into thinking that Anfield was at its full 54,000 capacity as the chants were chanted and goals celebrated in person, back in the famous Kop end.
The returning spectators produced the electric atmosphere and the Liverpool team, though still depleted through injury, dually obliged to return the favour with a dominant 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool Greet Returning Fans with 4-0 Victory
Andy Robertson: Quietly Becoming Liverpool’s Player of the Season
Since his move from Hull City to Liverpool, Andy Robertson’s rise from relegation to Premier League champion has been phenomenal. The Scotland captain, alongside fellow fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold, is up there with the best in his position and has quietly been the Reds’ player of the season so far.
The Scottsman has been Mr consistent this season. Even as those around him have been hit with the injury plague this season, Robertson has stood firm. At times, he has been the most experienced player in what is currently a makeshift backline.
And boy would you know it. He has taken to the leadership role like a duck takes to water. The stats only further add accreditation to the fullback’s outstanding form, too.
Against Wolves, he won 100% of his tackles, had a pass accuracy of 89%, made seven ball recoveries, created two chances, blocked two crosses and kept one resounding clean sheet. At both ends, the Scotland captain guides the Reds to victory week in week out.
Georginio Wijnaldum Goal Sparks Contract Talks Once More
It could have been anyone, in truth. But, it is perhaps fitting that it was Gini Wijnaldum who netted the first goal in front of a Kop as full as the guidelines will allow.
The Dutchman will already go down in the famous Anfield goals history book following his brace against Barcelona. And, now, he’ll have his second appearance in there following a 20 yard curled strike to put Liverpool two goals to the good.
And, whilst the strike was met with the welcomed cheers of the Anfield faithful, it also sparked talks of contract renewal once more. The midfielder only has seven months left on his current deal- leaving him able to communicate with clubs over a free summer move in January.
If he does leave, he’ll undoubtedly leave a hero with plenty of silverware in tow. But, everyone around Anfield will be hoping that day does not come. He is simply too reliable- as proven this season. The Dutchman has made 11 successive starts for club and country in the last five weeks.
Yet, the engine is not faltering. Instead, it is driving Liverpool on, and it does not look like running out of gas anytime soon- leaving Jurgen Klopp with a contract dilemma on his hands.
Liverpool Fans Back at Anfield a Welcomed Sight
Whether it be Stamford Bridge or Anfield, the return of fans has been a welcomed sight this weekend. Chelsea, too, produced the three points for those at the Bridge. But, the game at Anfield was so clearly fuelled with so much emotion.
After all, many fans have been waiting to watch Liverpool play as league champions for 30 years- not just nine months. It was the first time the champions had been greeted by the Anfield faithful, and a performance worthy of that crown soon came.
In the end, it was a comfortable night as goals from Mohamed Salah, Joel Matip, Wijnaldum and a Nelson Semedo own goal ensured victory. The defending champions, though without some stars, will know that with Anfield back behind them, they can defend their English crown.
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