Knocked out of the Champions League group stage due to defeats against Fiorentina, conceding last minute equalisers and winners again Lyon... Nothing was going our way. We found ourself in the Europa League simply because Debrecen were even worse than us- and that wasn't by much.
Our League form didn't pick up and it was difficult to get any momentum at all because just after we'd have a fantastic win (eg 2-0 against the Mancs) it would be shortly followed by a heartbreaking defeat (eg 3-1 against Fulham). We managed to keep in touch with the Top Four- just- throughout most of the season.
I'd talk about the Carling Cup, but there isn't much to say. Beat Leeds, which was nice. Drew Arsenal. /thread.
The FA Cup provided just as much heartache as our League season was giving to us. A 1-1 draw away at Reading, with a strong team, saw us take them back to Anfield... And lose! Leading 1-0 deep into injury time, we conceded a stupid (and soft) penalty and saw them equalise. We then went on to concede again in injury time and out we went.
Calls for Rafa's head grew louder and louder. Well, they seemed to. But many match going Reds still supported our manager and still do. I love to hear the Kop sing their defiant Rafa song. They acknowledge what he has done in the past, all the wonderful memories. They acknowledge that he has had to work under ridiculous constraints. They acknowledge that there probably isn't anyone better who we could get, anyway.
I want to try and focus somewhat on positives, because there has been so many negatives and I have enough to be sad about at the moment. So here goes. We did the double over Everton!
Pepe Reina. I wrote a little piece on this man earlier in the year, and just have so much respect for the man. Player of the season. No doubt. Consistant, positive around the dressing room and simply a top man. What a season. That he is contender for Golden Gloves is entirely down to him and his performances. I can think of several times that he has made saves that have kept us in the game or maintained a lead. That save against the Bluesh*te... Class. How Joe Hart got ahead of him in the PFA Team of the Year is so stupid its unreal and, dare I say it, a bit f**king racist. Reina has been sensational. He's committed to a six year deal and recently said: "Sometimes, its not about being at the best club, but about being at the right club". My respect for this guy is through the roof. Second favourite player, without a doubt. Long may he stay here.
Torres. Okay, he battled injuries through most of the season, but he still scored almost a goal a game, and was the difference in so many games. that last gasp goal against Villa... Ah. A truly class player, who we missed so much this season. When he played, he was the best striker in the world. If I ever meet Luisao, I'm gonna deck him. Another player who has constantly said that he wants to stay and fight. Long may that last and please, next season I'd love an ever-present Nando.
Mascherano. A battler. Started off shaky, but became one of the few players who played his heart out every game. Hasn't signed that contract yet, and may be looking over his shoulder at Barca, but please stay Javier. We need class players like you.
Some of those "supporters" have f**ked off. That has to count for something.
There isn't too much that has been positive about this season, although our Europa League efforts gave us some comfort. Belittled by some fans, I saw it as an opportunity to win a trophy. That we eventually didn't hurts me. But you can't lose the first leg and expect the home games to fire us through all the time. But we almost got there; almost made it to Hamburg. That 4-1 win against Benfica was awesome. An injured Torres proved the difference. And for anyone who underestimated Atleti, that was coming. Don't look at La Liga and judge them. They're in two cup finals now, and are a tidy side. Inconsistant. But a good side on their day. Fair credit to them, they deserved it. And I hope they win the Final.
But those 11 players who took the field today, they showed something that has been largely missing throughout the season: fight. The spirit shown by those players was enough for me. They did everything they could. You can hold your head high.
And now for the interesting game on Monday... But roll on next season.