Liverpool - fan's review of 2008/09 Premier League season
Liverpool - fan's review of 2008/09 Premier League season
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Tuesday, 02, Jun 2009 05:35
Good, bad or just the same old, same old? What the fans made of the 2008/09 season.
What we hoped for this year were further signs of progress and not to be out of the title race by Christmas and we got it.
However, in a year which included the dream sequence of Robbie Keane's brief stay on Merseyside, an FA Cup loss to Everton, no trophies and the Mancs edging ever closer to our record haul of league titles, it feels odd to describe it either as an outright success or a failure.
We lost just twice in the league all season, dominated the 'big four' mini-league and showed the consistency, tenacity - and flair - we had previously lacked.
At times the side steamrollered opposition (Man Utd included), assuming midfield supremacy and firing in goals, and all this despite the few joint appearances of the much-feted partnership of Stevie G and El Nino.
The FA Cup exit was disappointing and we were fairly beaten in the Champions League exit at Stamford Bridge, but the best Premier League campaign since the carnival began means we have expectations rather than optimism for next year.
At last we have the belief among the fans and the players that we are capable of challenging for the league title.
Grade: A -
High Point
The best moment of the season was probably from one of the most unsuccessful signings.
It was a sweet feeling watching Andrea Dossena lob the ball over Edwin van der Sar for the fourth at Old Trafford to cap a fine comeback after the early penalty from the gelatinous Ronaldo.
Stuffing Real Madrid 4-0 after their president had predicted they would see us off at Anfield - with another Dossena special - was almost as good.
Low Point
For me the most frustrating point was the draw with Arsenal at Anfield - after dominating the game we continually shot ourselves in the foot and Arshavin punished us each and every time.
In retrospect, it is two other 'points' - draws at home with Stoke and Hull - which were the real problems.
The manager
After the turbulence which saw Rafa's position under threat in the last season during the boardroom rows, he is firmly in the box seat and has greater control of transfers than ever.
Proving his expertise in duels with the biggest teams and managers, Rafa also showed he could play a more expansive and bold game as Liverpool went on the attack in the second half of the season.
His rant at Fergie was hilarious - although not a patch on the bizarre rantings of his United nemesis and Sam Allardyce after the infamous 'game over' celebration.
If ever a manager was less likely to say 'sit back, we've got this in the bag' it's our Rafa.
Fan's Player of the Year
- Stevie G -
An incredible season in a long line of incredible seasons - one of the best and most influential players in the world.
If he and Torres are fit for all of next season, watch out.
Dirk Kuyt deserves a mention for a strong season too.
Needs for Next Season
We still need a bit of width and, despite our goal haul, a striker and some tricky wingers.
If Babel can finally translate his potential we might not need a winger, but we could do with someone who can beat a man and get a good cross in - David Silva would be good and Stewart Downing has shown glimpses, but we need the finished article rather than another Pennant.
An attacking full-back might offer further options in that area, while Tevez would be a great signing - a good foil to Torres' elegance.
Nathaniel Bertram