Winless and an 'easy touch' - what's happened to the Anfield fear factor?

Liverpool's struggles at Anfield continue as Iraola still awaits his first Premier League win at Anfield, with the famous fear factor seemingly a thing of the past.

Anfield was once one of the most intimidating venues in the Premier League. This season, however, Liverpool's home form has been surprisingly poor, and the famous fear factor appears to be fading. Iraola's side is still without a Premier League win at Anfield, but this time they left with a sense of regret, because victory was there for the taking. In recent matches, Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities at Anfield have been exposed repeatedly, while their attack lacks the sharpness of old. Opponents no longer arrive with a sense of dread; instead, they press high and take the game to the Reds. This psychological shift is the clearest sign that the Anfield fear factor is eroding. Visiting fans once discussed how to avoid a heavy defeat; now they travel expecting to take points. Iraola's team displayed remarkable tactical discipline. They stifled Liverpool's build-up with a compact midfield and threatened repeatedly on the counter. Although they failed to secure all three points, their performance proved that Anfield is no longer an impregnable fortress. Iraola said afterwards that his side deserved more, and that sense of regret reflects the changing mindset of visiting teams. Statistically, Liverpool still dominate possession and shot counts at home, but their conversion rate has dropped noticeably. Opponents' expected goals (xG) at Anfield have risen significantly, indicating that the Reds are conceding more space and chances. Defensively, the back line led by Van Dijk is no longer watertight, and the lack of midfield protection has been repeatedly exposed. Offensively, fluctuating form from key players like Salah makes it hard to sustain pressure. The deeper cause may be psychological. When a team maintains long-term home dominance, opponents are beaten before kick-off. Once that dominance cracks, confidence spreads rapidly across the league. Liverpool's recent winless home run is sending a signal: Anfield can be conquered. The damage from that psychological shift may be more devastating than any tactical issue. For Liverpool, restoring the Anfield fear factor is urgent. It requires not only tactical adjustments but also a morale-boosting home victory. The manager must find solutions quickly, or the team risks losing not only the title race but also sinking into a deeper crisis. Anfield's legend needs to be rewritten, and time is running out. Iraola and his team may still be without a Premier League win at Anfield, but their performance has earned respect. Next time they visit, they may arrive with even greater belief. For Liverpool, making opponents fear Anfield again will be one of the most critical tasks for the rest of the season.

Winless and an 'easy touch' - what's happened to the Anfield fear factor?

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