Joe Allen Hails the Return of “Fortress Anfield”

It’s been quite the turnaround for Liverpool at Anfield. When you consider that in their 19 league matches at home last season the Reds managed only six victories, falling to defeat a total of seven times, their new found solidity on Merseyside has become a major boon for Brendan Rodgers men.

Yesterday’s 3-1 win over Cardiff City was the sixth match on the bounce that Liverpool took full points at home and midfielder Joe Allen is relishing the return of the Fortress Anfield moniker. “That’s the idea – every team wants their home ground to be like that,” said the former Swansea man. “To have Anfield almost like a fortress, like it used to be, is our aim and we feel we’re getting there now.”

The Reds have been building momentum since last January and go into the busy festive period well placed to come out in the top four come New Years day. “Not just this season but at the back end of last season as well, we really started gaining that confidence and belief in what we’re trying to do and the way we’re trying to play” enthused the 23-year old. “We’re reaping the rewards of that this season.”

The Reds have their stiffest test of the season just over the horizon with a Boxing Day meeting with title heir apparents Manchester City setting up a top of the table clash that’s sure to have an impact on the final standings come May. Although the Reds will be on the road, where they’ve struggled to string together results this season, Allen believes that recent results will give us a good jumping off point for the trip to the Etihad Stadium.

“We always knew a victory today would be great to build momentum and confidence going into what we know are two tough away games” he told the official site following the win over Cardiff City. “Job done today and now we can go into those games looking forward to picking up good results.” Here’s to hoping, Joe.