While 2008 finished with mixed emotions for LFC fans after ending the year as table toppers and the "bar brawl" involving Kop idol Steven Gerrard, you have to admit it was quite an astonishing year.
This time last year we were out of the title race and fighting to secure 4th spot in the table. The backroom boiler was smouldering with news of the growing split between key members in the board. Rafa was in line to get the sack and be replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann after reports emerged that the Americans had held meetings with Klinsmann about taking over the reigns at Anfield.The natives grew restless and the Americans quickly became hate figures as they tried to disrupt a "way of life" for most LFC fans from Liverpool and all around the world.
Meanwile back at Melwood Rafa was only concerntrating on the games ahead and his players. In Gerrad and Torres he had match-winners and a back five including Reina, probably one of the best organised units in league. In the centre of midfield Alonso and Mascherano were a match for any. On the right of midfield Rafa had the "Energiser Bunny" Dirk Kuyt. This mans work-rate is secend to none and proved a match-winner in our assault in the Champoins League. Babel/Benayoun/Riise were all deployed at some point down the left flank. The team had a good run in the league and secured Champions League qualification for another season. Torres finished a reamarkable debut season with 33 goals in total and even surpassed van Nistelrooy total of 23 league goals to become the highest scoring foreigner in his debut season.
The 08/09 season will prove to be one of the most important for any LFC fan as we desperately try to win that elusive 19th league title with Man Utd hot on their heels to equal our record of 18 league titles.
After thrashing Newcastle 5-1 at St James Park Steven Gerrard said that this was the best LFC team that he played in and with the eminent return of Fernando Torres to our line-up there is no doubt that this will be our best chance of ending our long overdue wait for the title to return to Anfield.
By contrast we head into 2009 as league leaders by 3 clear points and no doubt Rafa will strenghten the team in the January transfer window as we head into the homestretch of the season ready for a title fight.
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