The Reds of Merseyside have been at their Anfield home since there foundation in 1892; but the roots of the club go much further. Originally there City rivals Everton Football Club played at Stanley Park upon their formation in 1878; In 1882 they occupied the Priory Road Ground and two years later moved to Anfield.
But, In early 1892 the club had a dispute with the landlord; the majority of the Evertonians left and formed there own club at Goodison Park; whilst the landlord formed a new club. He fought to have the new team named as Everton, but failed and thus naming them Liverpool Association FC on 15 March 1982.
Club Guide
Team: Liverpool |
Anfield is a ground known by many worldwide, so wasn't a surprise that I made this ground one of the thirteen away matches during the Premier League season.
Like the majority of the grounds situated in the Premiership and Football League; the visiting supporters were housed behind goal in the Anfield Road Stand. It was a two tiered structure with fans situated in the lower tier with the famous Anfield Kop staring right in front of us.
Stadium and Pitch: 7/10
The stadium can hardly be described as magnificent and lacks that 'shiver down your spine' effect that people suggests takes place when you visit a ground like this. However the faculties were good whilst the food (and drink) were basically what you see at other grounds.
The ground is far better than there City counterparts who both wish to move to a suppose built stadium (not a ground share); and I can see why. The ground is good enough to stay were it is but with lack of building opportunities to expand the 45,000 stadium and gaining almost 100% attendance at every home ground means that re-location seems to be the only answer.
Programme: 7/10
The 'This Is Anfield' programme (72 pages - £3.00) didn't leave much to the imagination and was hardly anything to write home about. It mainly features pictures and reports; basking in their 2-1 glorious victory at the Nou Camp the previous Wednesday.
Performance and Result: 6/10
Sheffield United lost at Liverpool 4-0 on the day. Veteran Robbie Fowler (20 & 25 minutes) took the half-time lead to two-nil when he dispatched a brace of penalties after Steven Gerrard was twice 'fouled' in the box.
After the break defender Sami Hyppia (70) and England midfielder Steven Gerrard (73) added to the result; the closest the Blades came was when Rob Hulse hit the bar (80). It was difficult for United having played one man upfront all the match.
The visitors game a first team debut to Egyptian international Ahmed Fathi whilst the Reds handed a debut to Argentinean international Javier Mascherano.
Atmosphere: 6/10
The Anfield faithful only sang at the beginning of the game to sing their anthem 'You'll never walk alone...' but apart from cheering there goals the Kop barely made a sound.
Overall: 26/40
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