Twenty years without the English league title is too long for a club that once dominated the domestic arena for over a decade. Yet Liverpool, despite mounting what was their strongest challenge for some considerable time, again fell just short of re-claiming the title they feel is theirs to loan out.

Rafa Benitez’s squad was expected to challenge on all fronts but injuries to Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard at key points in the season threw the Merseysiders off course. An early Carling Cup exit to Tottenham did not derail the league form but with bitter rivals Manchester United and Chelsea both finding form, the pressure started to mount. The pain of defeat in the FA Cup to Everton was replaced by delight when Spanish giants Real Madrid were beaten in Madrid and then humbled 4-0 at Anfield in the last 16 of the Champions League. Yet another meeting with Chelsea followed but a 3-1 reverse at home was a hurdle too great and the spectacular 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge was Liverpool’s swansong in this year’s competition. The league again proved a step too far although Rafa’s men took it to the final week of the season.

So close and yet so far. However, there must be a hope that a fit and strengthened squad can compete with a serious chance of bagging that elusive Premiership crown.