Just returned from my first ever game at Anfield – big thanks to @Woland for the tickets and nice conversation afterwards! This was an amazing experience and hearing YNWA on the first home game of the season was just surreal. I am dog-tired after a long day, so just a couple of thoughts/rants:
1. LFC fans really know their football. I was sitting at the centenary stand with other season-ticket holders and I heard more intelligent commentary and spot-on tactical analysis in those 90 minutes than in the whole season of watching the games on American TV. They are also quite impatient – every time we weren't attacking full-speed was greeted with discontent and shouts of "get on with it." Now I understand how the crowd at Anfield affects players – you just have to run as hard as you can for 90 minutes and give it your all or the crowd will be on your back.
2. Anfield seats are probably the smallest and most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat on. I was fortunate the seat in front of me was empty, otherwise my knees would press on someone's back. It felt like trying to squeeze into a toddler's seat or a toy car.
3. Fans at the Kop were excellent and the away fans made a lot of noise, but the two main stands almost never joined in the songs (except for YNWA). Also I can never understand people who are leaving 5 minutes before the final whistle. I understand the desire to get home early, but it kind of spoils the experience for others and just makes no sense when the game's result is still in the balance.
Anyway, it was a cracking experience – 90 minutes felt like 15, quite literally. I envy those of you who can do this every week.
1. LFC fans really know their football. I was sitting at the centenary stand with other season-ticket holders and I heard more intelligent commentary and spot-on tactical analysis in those 90 minutes than in the whole season of watching the games on American TV. They are also quite impatient – every time we weren't attacking full-speed was greeted with discontent and shouts of "get on with it." Now I understand how the crowd at Anfield affects players – you just have to run as hard as you can for 90 minutes and give it your all or the crowd will be on your back.
2. Anfield seats are probably the smallest and most uncomfortable seats I've ever sat on. I was fortunate the seat in front of me was empty, otherwise my knees would press on someone's back. It felt like trying to squeeze into a toddler's seat or a toy car.
3. Fans at the Kop were excellent and the away fans made a lot of noise, but the two main stands almost never joined in the songs (except for YNWA). Also I can never understand people who are leaving 5 minutes before the final whistle. I understand the desire to get home early, but it kind of spoils the experience for others and just makes no sense when the game's result is still in the balance.
Anyway, it was a cracking experience – 90 minutes felt like 15, quite literally. I envy those of you who can do this every week.
