'Anfield is feeling like a fortress now'
A sixth consecutive home victory for Liverpool on Saturday provided evidence that Anfield is steadily becoming 'like a fortress', according to midfielder Joe Allen.
Two trademark strikes from Luis Suarez sandwiched a tap-in for Raheem Sterling as the Reds downed Cardiff City 3-1 in the Barclays Premier League.
The result racked up a half-dozen straight wins for Brendan Rodgers' side in L4 - including 23 goals - and Allen believes the players are feeling increasingly confident at their home ground.
"That's the idea - every team wants their home ground to be like that," the Welshman told Liverpoolfc.com. "To have Anfield almost like a fortress, like it used to be, is our aim and we feel we're getting there now.
"We always knew a victory today would be great to build momentum and confidence going into what we know are two tough away games. Job done today and now we can go into those games looking forward to picking up good results.
"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. We're reaping the rewards of that this season."
The 23-year-old has recovered from an injury-hit beginning to the 2013-14 campaign to be named in the starting line-up for each of the Reds' last four fixtures.
Allen has been an impressive midfield performer throughout, instigating Liverpool attacks by turning over possession and finding a teammate - and his confidence is growing every week.
He said: "You get that with game time and I've been fortunate enough to have played the last few games and been part of good team performances and wins, which is the main thing. I feel that's building my confidence and I'm getting back into the swing of things."
Suarez committed his long-term future to the Reds by signing a new deal on Friday, an announcement gratefully received by his colleagues, Allen revealed.
"It's an incredible boost for us. We all know he's a world-class player, he has shown that time and time again this season," the No.24 added.
"It's amazing for us to have him in the team. He showed again today how vital it is we tied him down to that long-term deal.
"One of the first things top players look for is the players they would be joining if they were to join a club like this.
"It will be a fantastic pull, and with the performances we're picking up. Hopefully if we can maintain that until the very end of the season, it will be an exciting summer."