Liverpool review

Skysports.com casts an analytical eye over Liverpool's 2009/10 season.

LIVERPOOL What Went Right? Hmmm. Well, they did not concede many goals. Some might argue the best news of the season was that Tom Hicks and George Gillett put the club up for sale so there is the prospect of new owners at the club. Beyond that...Lucas Leiva had a better season, there was a glorious win over Manchester United, and defeat to Chelsea more or less guaranteed United would not better their record of league titles. Slim pickings, we know. What Went Wrong? Steven Gerrard's form, Fernando Torres' fitness, a lack of other attacking options, Alberto Aquilani's negligible contribution, just five away wins all season, rumours of dressing-room unrest, Champions League group stage exit, FA Cup exit to Reading, failure to qualify for Champions League...we could go on. Are They Happy? Vehemently no. Income is about to take a bashing just when they need money for reinforcements. Signing of the season Glen Johnson - not much else to choose from. Aquilani has been a well-documented glassman, so this gong can only really fall at Johnson's feet. He has provided Liverpool with more thrust from right-back while his versatility has at times been important. Flop of the season Aquilani. Okay, so he might come good next season. Certainly the player is talented, there is no doubting that. But nine league starts from a return of around £20million just simply will not do. Next season, if he is fit, he could do the business. Star man Fernando Torres. Another player who has suffered with injury issues. Nonetheless, the Spaniard still managed to score 18 league goals. And one wonders what might have been had he stayed injury-free. Goalkeeper Jose Reina was also again sound as a pound for the Reds. Breakthrough player Lucas. The Brazilian easily enjoyed his best season to date. He featured in 35 of Liverpool's 38 top-flight matches this season, and even in one European match demonstrated he can be an attacking force. Food for thought for Benitez. High point Their 2-0 win over bitter rivals Manchester United. Liverpool stunned the then-champions in a game of two sendings-off. Also, at least United did not go on to win their title and surpass Liverpool's record. Low point Too many to mention - sorry, Liverpool fans. As already touched upon above, there were some shocking moments for the Reds this campaign. Probably their exits from the Champions League and FA Cup take the biscuit.