Liverpool's 5 Greatest Ever Premier League Seasons
2. 2008/09 (Final Position: 2nd)
In terms of defensive brilliance, midfield dominance- Gerrard, Alonso and Javier Mascherano were as good as any midfield unit in Europe at the time- and a perfect balance, the Liverpool side of 2008/09 was probably their most complete over the last 20 years. Benitez had already turned them into one of the most respected teams in the Champions League, but now he was showing signs of taking their European form into the Premier League. The likes of Riise, Steve Finnan, Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch all left the club in the summer of 2008, with Albert Riera and Robbie Keane the most high-profile signings. Liverpool made a superb start to the season, going unbeaten until defeat to Tottenham in November. A fantastic win away to Chelsea, victory at Goodison Park in the Merseyside deby and a home victory against United were all highly impressive results. Benitez's men were proving to be incredibly difficult to beat, not losing again until February 2009, but too many draws, especially at home to weaker opposition, proved to be their downfall. The Reds went to Old Trafford in March, knowing that anything other than victory would not be enough to realistically keep them in touch with United at the top. Having gone 1-0 down to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty Liverpool produced a magnificent response, as Fernando Torres and Gerrard ripped Sir Alex Ferguson's side to shreds. The Spaniard levelled the scores, the skipper's spot-kick made it 2-1, and Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena completed the scoring late on. It was one of Liverpool's greatest ever Premier League victories. Although United managed to cling on and clinch the title- Federico Macheda's last-minute winner against Aston Villa was a huge moment- it had been a season to remember for Benitez's side. It's just a shame the Spaniard lost the plot during his last season at Anfield, rather than build on the success of 08/09. Strongest Starting XI: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio; Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard (c), Kuyt, Benayoun; Torres
