Kevin De Bruyne has taken issue at Anfield’s atmosphere, alleging that it is wildly inconsistent.
The Manchester City midfielder has been in the Premier League since a big-money move from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015. During that time, the Belgian playmaker has visited some of the world’s most iconic venues.
When asked by Sky Sports whether of Newcastle’s St James’ Park, Anfield, or Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium he thinks is the best, he is unequivocal. He ranked St James’ Park first, with Liverpool’s home field coming in second.
De Bruyne then stated that Arsenal’s home was certainly at the bottom of his list. “Even when they [Newcastle] weren’t going well, the atmosphere was still quite good,” he stated when asked to explain his choices. I think there’s a difference for Liverpool, because obviously it’s a big game between us, but I feel like there’s a difference when it’s Champions League or a night game vs a 12 o’clock kick off.
“I think Newcastle and Liverpool have a bigger atmosphere than Arsenal.” Last year was considerably better, in my opinion. Obviously, it’s been difficult for them; in previous years, it was a little easier.”
Last season, De Bruyne’s Manchester City and Arsenal faced off for the Premier League title, with the Belgian noticing a noticeable difference in the atmosphere in North London. Back in early 2018, he clearly predicted a clash between the two sides.
The two sides met in a League Cup match, with City winning 3-0. The teams met again in the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola’s team won by the same scoreline. De Bruyne has since claimed that the gloomy atmosphere in the stadium was evident. “There’s a lot more positivity [now],” he continued.
“I believe there was a time when we played them in the League Cup and three days later we played them at home and it was icy and there was nobody in the stadium.” It was really unfavorable at the time, so there has been a significant change, which is obviously beneficial to them.”
This season, City has already faced Arsenal in the Community Shield. After a 1-1 tie in normal time, the Gunners won the title in a penalty shootout at Wembley.