by Alex Kirkham
We’ve had it all, the dizzy heights with victories over the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter Milan, and the withering lows, particularly semi-final elimination in the Champions league to Chelsea.
The year of 2008 will hold many memories to Reds for several reasons, Fernando Torres record breaking first season in English football, the fact Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres all played a part in their National sides victory at the European championships, and other Red, Javier Mascherano, wins Olympic Gold with Argentina, and then later in the year becomes captain by one of the greatest footballers of all time, Diego Maradona.
After 42 years, the ghost of Milan 65 has finally been laid to rest, after the reds beat them home and away, along with another great Anfield European occasion, the home tie with Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final, with the game swinging in the balance throughout, with the Reds claiming victory and progression to the next round in dramatic style.
But with the highs came the despairing lows, the near embarrassment in the FA Cup against non-leaguers Havant & Waterlooville, was followed by embarrassment in the same competition, as the Reds crashed out at home to Barnsley, and the John Arne Riise own goal in the dying seconds at the Kop end in the Champions League semi-final, followed the week later by elimination away at Stamford Bridge, with that goal proving decisive.
The league hasn’t exactly been plain sailing. The Reds once again found themselves way off the pace, but that’s not been the case this season, which has had its high and lows already, with the Reds beating Manchester United at home for the first time under Rafa Benitez’ reign in the League, and putting an end to Chelsea’s four year long home unbeaten league record, with a derby away win thrown in between.
But that’s been mixed with disappointing 0-0 draws at home to the likes of Stoke, Fulham and West Ham, and losing their unbeaten league record away at Spurs after taking an early lead – and then 10 days later losing 4-2 in the league cup at the same venue.
But the Reds are looking at heading in to the new year top of the table, and finishing the Champions League group stage top and with a new club record points table, could we find ourselves in Rome for a European cup final.. Again?
As we head in to the New Year, things are looking brighter than they have for a long time. The futures red, Anfield Red.