Liverpool defeated Southampton 3-0 at Anfield.
Former player Danny Murphy believes Liverpool’s opponents in recent weeks are in awe of them and feels there is now a fear factor with teams beaten before they come out of the tunnel, he told BBC Radio Five Live.
“There is a fear factor which Liverpool have got now. I think you saw it in the Tottenham game. I thought Tottenham were a little bit in awe of them and gave them too much respect,” Murphy explained.
“Teams are going to Anfield and like the successful [Manchester] United teams, getting beat before they come out of the tunnel. Southampton turned up and you could tell they were in completely in awe of Liverpool, and on the day had nothing to stop them. Liverpool didn’t get in to fifth gear really.”
Liverpool have started the Premier League campaign in rampant fashion, winning all six games so far while their Champions League campaign began with a 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Southampton were the Reds’ latest victim, and the game was all-but over at half-time as an own goal followed by Joel Matip and Mohamed Salah gave the hosts a commanding lead at the interval.
More goals could have followed for Liverpool, but ultimately the damage was done in the opening 45 minutes and the pleasing aspect for Jurgen Klopp is they never looked in danger at the back.
The goalkeeper and defence was a big issue for the Reds at times last season, but the signing of Virgil van Dijk has made a notable difference and new shot-stopper Alisson oozes in confidence.
With competition for places, Liverpool have plenty of options to change things up and with teams fearing going to Anfield, they’re seemingly given a lift from the kick-off and can immediately put opponents on the back foot.
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