2008–09 Liverpool F.C. season

English football club season December 2018 December 2018 Liverpool 2008–09 Rafael Benítez Tom Hicks and George Gillett Anfield Premier League 2nd FA Cup Fourth round League Cup Fourth round UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals Steven Gerrard (16) Steven Gerrard (24) 44,424 vs. Arsenal (21 April 2009) 28,591 vs. Crewe Alexandra (23 September 2008) 43,611http://lfchistory.net/seasonstats.asp?Season_id=118 Statistics for the 2008–2009 Season LFC History 19 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20100625225955/http://www.lfchistory.net/seasonstats.asp?Season_id=118 25 June 2010 dead _rmcf1112t _liverpoolfc 0810h _rmcf1112t _adidaswhite _3_stripes_white FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 _liverpool0809a _liverpool0809a _liverpool0809a _red_stripes_adidas _3_stripes_red 999999 999999 999999 999999 999999 _liverpool0809t _liverpool0809t _liverpool0809t _rmcf1415t _liverpool0809t 005F5F 005F5F 005F5F 000000 FFFFFF 2007–08 2009–10 The 2008–2009 season was Liverpool's 117th season in existence and their 47th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. The season began on 1 July 2008 and concluded on 30 June 2009, with competitive matches played between August and May. Having finished the previous Premier League season in fourth place behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, Liverpool improved to end the 2008–09 campaign in second place, four points behind Manchester United, with a record of 25 wins, 11 draws and two defeats. Liverpool made little progress in the domestic cup competitions and were eliminated in the fourth round of both the FA Cup and League Cup by Everton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. They were defeated in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League by Chelsea. Liverpool acquired eight players in the transfer market, including Philipp Degen, Andrea Dossena and Diego Cavalieri who arrived in early July. They were supplemented by striker Robbie Keane from Tottenham and midfielder Albert Riera in August. A total of eight players departed including John Arne Riise, Steve Finnan, Harry Kewell, goalkeeper Scott Carson and striker Peter Crouch who were all transferred in the summer transfer window. Six months after arriving at Liverpool, Keane was sold back to Tottenham in the winter transfer window. Liverpool began the season in good form; they won eight of their first ten matches before suffering a defeat against Tottenham. They picked up their form after this and a 5–1 victory over Newcastle United at the end of 2008 ensured that they would be top of the league going into the New Year. Three successive draws at the turn of the year meant that Manchester United caught Liverpool and a 2–0 defeat by Middlesbrough at the end of February dented their hopes of winning the league. Liverpool then won ten of their final eleven matches, including a 4–1 victory over Manchester United. The run was not enough to overhaul United and Liverpool finished four points behind in second place. Twenty-six different players represented the club in four competitions, and there were 16 different goalscorers. Liverpool's top goalscorer was Steven Gerrard, who scored 24 goals in 44 matches. Defender Jamie Carragher made the most appearances during the season with 54. Background thumb|200px|Striker Robbie Keane joined Liverpool in July 2008, but returned to Tottenham Hotspur in January 2009. Liverpool did not win any trophies in the 2007–08 season. Despite new signing Fernando Torres scoring 33 goals in all competitions, including 24 in the Premier League, the team finished in fourth place, 11 points behind eventual winners Manchester United. They fared little better in the cup competitions, exiting the FA Cup in the fifth round by losing 2–1 to Championship club Barnsley at Anfield.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7224063.stm Liverpool 1–2 Barnsley BBC Sport 16 February 2008 12 November 2015 Chris Bevan A 2–0 defeat against Chelsea resulted in Liverpool's exit from the League Cup in the quarter-finals.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7145789.stm Chelsea 2–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 19 December 2007 12 November 2015 Mandeep Sangheera Liverpool fared better in European competition, reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. For the fourth consecutive year in the competition, they faced Chelsea, but lost the tie 4–3 on aggregate.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7368736.stm Chelsea 3–2 Liverpool (4–3) BBC Sport 30 April 2008 12 November 2015 Sam Lyon Liverpool made a number of additions to their squad during the pre-season. Defenders Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena were the first to arrive from Borussia Dortmund and Udinese respectively.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7409840.stm Liverpool complete deal for Degen BBC Sport 4 July 2008 28 August 2015http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7475953.stm Liverpool secure deal for Dossena BBC Sport 4 July 2008 28 August 2015 Goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri was signed from Brazilian club Palmeiras as backup to Pepe Reina,http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7491040.stm Liverpool sign keeper Cavalieri BBC Sport 11 July 2008 28 August 2015 while French striker David Ngog joined from Paris Saint-Germain.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jul/24/liverpool.premierleague Ngog completes move to Anfield The Guardian 24 July 2008 28 August 2015 Howard Swains The biggest signing of the summer transfer window was the purchase of striker Robbie Keane from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £19.3 million.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7528735.stm Liverpool complete Keane transfer BBC Sport 28 July 2008 28 August 2015 Midfielder Albert Riera joined from Spanish club Espanyol at the end of the summer transfer window.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7582388.stm Liverpool bring in winger Riera BBC Sport 1 September 2008 28 August 2015 At the end of the 2007–08 season, Liverpool sold a number of players. Defender John Arne Riise was sold to Serie A club Roma after seven years at the club.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7461405.stm Reds pay tribute to exiting Riise BBC Sport 19 June 2008 28 August 2015 Forward Anthony Le Tallec was sold to French club Le Mans,https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/exit-time-misfit-anthony-le-3480484 Exit time for misfit Anthony Le Tallec Liverpool Echo 5 July 2008 28 August 2015 James Pearce while midfielder Harry Kewell joined Turkish club Galatasaray on a free transfer.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7489144.stm Kewell completes Galatasaray move BBC Sport 5 July 2008 28 August 2015 Later in July, striker Peter Crouch joined his former club, Portsmouth, for £11 million and goalkeeper Scott Carson was sold to West Bromwich Albion.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7471969.stm Crouch seals £11m Portsmouth move BBC Sport 11 July 2008 28 August 2015http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/7514218.stm West Brom snap up keeper Carson BBC Sport 18 July 2008 28 August 2015 Defender Steve Finnan and midfielder Danny Guthrie left in August to join Espanyol and Newcastle United respectively.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7592497.stm Liverpool sell Finnan to Espanyol BBC Sport 1 September 2008 28 August 2015http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7502192.stm Guthrie seals move to Newcastle BBC Sport 11 July 2008 28 August 2015 During the January transfer window, striker Robbie Keane returned to Tottenham after only six months at Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7861523.stm Keane seals £12m Spurs return BBC Sport 2 February 2009 28 August 2015 Sebastián Leto joined Olympiacos on a two-year loan after his application for a work permit was rejected,https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/2503882/Leto-denied-permit-Benayoun-commits-Football.html Sebastian Leto denied work permit as Yossi Benayoun commits to Liverpool The Daily Telegraph 5 August 2008 12 November 2015 while striker Andriy Voronin was loaned to Hertha BSC.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7592495.stm Voronin signs for Hertha Berlin BBC Sport 1 September 2008 12 November 2015 Manchester United were the pre-season favourites to retain their league title with Chelsea considered their main challengers. Liverpool were expected to struggle initially while their new signings adapted to the squad.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/15/chelsea.premierleague Scolari's Chelsea are a good punt to end Ferguson's Premier League run The Guardian 15 August 2008 12 November 2015 Dan Roebuck The Guardian's Paul Doyle opined, "If they are to sustain a challenge for the title beyond Christmas, Liverpool will have to develop the offensive diversity and unpredictability to turn last season's costly draws against smaller teams into victories."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/08/liverpool.premier.leaguepreview Premier League preview No9: Liverpool The Guardian 8 August 2008 12 November 2015 Paul Doyle Transfers In +Players transferred inhttps://www.lfchistory.net/Transfers/BySeason/118 Transfers for the 2008–2009 season LFC History 27 August 2022No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef27 2 DF Philipp Degen Borussia Dortmund 00 Free 4 July 20082 2 DF Andrea Dossena Udinese 07 £7,000,000 4 July 200811 GK Diego Cavalieri Palmeiras 03 £3,000,000 11 July 2008244 FW David Ngog Paris Saint-Germain 01 £1,500,000 24 July 200874 FW Robbie Keane Tottenham Hotspur 19 £19,300,000 28 July 20084 FW Vitor Flora Vitor Coutinho Flora Botafogo 00 Free 1 September 2008http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7591866.stm Liverpool swoop for striker Flora BBC Sport 1 September 2008 28 August 2015421 GK Péter Gulácsi MTK 20 Undisclosed 1 September 2008113 MF Albert Riera Espanyol 08 £8,000,000 1 September 2008 Out +Players transferred outNo.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRef6 2 DF John Arne Riise Roma 04 £4,000,000 1 July 20084 FW Anthony Le Tallec Le Mans 01 £1,100,000 5 July 20087 3 MF Harry Kewell Galatasaray 00 Free 5 July 20081 GK Scott Carson West Bromwich Albion 03 £3,250,000 18 July 200815 4 FW Peter Crouch Portsmouth 11 £11,000,000 11 July 200832 DF Steve Finnan Espanyol 20 Undisclosed 1 September 20083 MF Danny Guthrie Newcastle United 02 £2,250,000 11 July 200874 FW Robbie Keane Tottenham Hotspur 12 £12,000,000 2 February 2009 Loaned out No.PositionPlayerLoaned toDateRef333 MF Sebastián Leto Olympiacos 5 August 2008104 FW Andriy Voronin Hertha BSC 1 September 2008 Transfer summary +Summary of transfer activity during the seasonPeriodSpendingIncomeNet expenditureSummer £38,800,000 £21,600,000 £17,200,000Winter £0 £12,000,000 £12,000,000Total £38,800,000 £33,600,000 £5,200,000 Pre-season matches DateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendance12 July 2008Tranmere RoversAW1–0Benayoun 43'15,00016 July 2008LuzernAW2–1Lucas 10', Voronin 36'9,50019 July 2008Wisła KrakówAD1–1Voronin 6'6,00022 July 2008Hertha BSCAD0–051,68430 July 2008VillarrealAD0–022,0002 August 2008RangersAW4–0Torres 22', Ngog 56', Benayoun 58', Alonso 70' pen.50,2235 August 2008VålerengaAW4–1Alonso 19', Torres 49', Benayoun 60', Ngog 84'25,3378 August 2008LazioHW1–0Voronin 90+3'43,062 Source:https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Games/118 Games for the 2008–09 season LFC History 16 November 2015 Premier League 2008–09 Premier League A total of 20 teams competed in the Premier League in the 2008–09 season. Each team played 38 matches; two against every other team and one match at each club's stadium. Three points were awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the season the top two teams qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League; teams in third and fourth needed to play a qualifier.http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=enFaqs&categoryCode=AboutUs Frequently asked questions about the F.A. Premier League Premier League 27 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20031004173055/http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=forwardOnly&nextPage=enFaqs&categoryCode=AboutUs 4 October 2003 The provisional fixture list was released on 16 June 2008, but was subject to change in the event of clashes with other competitions, international football, inclement weather, or matches being selected for television coverage.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bolton-wanderers/2303317/Premier-League-fixtures-200809.html Premier League fixtures 2008/09 The Daily Telegraph 16 June 2008 13 November 2015 August–October thumb|right|150px|Fernando Torres scored Liverpool's first goal of the season in the Premier League. Liverpool travelled to Sunderland on the opening weekend of the season. The match was goalless until the 83rd minute when striker Fernando Torres scored from 25 yd m to secure a 1–0 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7551170.stm Sunderland 0–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 16 August 2008 16 June 2015 Jonathan Stevenson The following weekend, Liverpool hosted Middlesbrough at Anfield. The visitors went ahead in the 70th minute when Mido scored. They appeared to be heading for victory, until the 86th minute when Jamie Carragher's shot deflected off Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz into the Middlesbrough goal. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Steven Gerrard scored from the edge of the penalty area to secure a 2–1 victory for Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7565060.stm Liverpool 2–1 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 23 August 2008 16 June 2015 Ian Hughes A trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa was next for Liverpool. Torres was forced off with an injury within the first half-hour and both sides failed to capitalise on chances to win, as the match finished 0–0.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7578475.stm Aston Villa 0–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 31 August 2008 16 June 2015 Andrew McKenzie Due to international fixtures, Liverpool did not play another game for two weeks. On the resumption of club football, they faced reigning champions Manchester United at home. Liverpool started without Gerrard and Torres, who were substitutes following their return from injury. The visitors took the lead in the third minute when Carlos Tevez scored. An own goal by United defender Wes Brown levelled the score in the 27th minute. Liverpool took control of the match following their equaliser, but it was not until the 71st minute that they asserted their dominance, when substitute Ryan Babel scored. United's misery was compounded when defender Nemanja Vidić was sent off in the 90th minute for a second bookable offence. The win marked the first time, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez had beaten United in the League since his arrival in 2004.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7601885.stm Liverpool 2–1 Manchester United BBC Sport 13 September 2008 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera The following weekend, Stoke City were the visitors to Anfield. Liverpool appeared to have taken the lead in the second minute when Gerrard scored from a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Despite a number of chances, neither side was able to score and the match finished 0–0.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7613920.stm Liverpool 0–0 Stoke BBC Sport 20 September 2008 18 June 2015 Pranav Soneji Benítez was adamant Gerrard's goal should not have been disallowed stating: "Nobody knows why the effort was ruled out."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7627492.stm Benítez fumes at disallowed goal BBC Sport 20 September 2008 15 November 2015 Liverpool's next match was against local rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby. Following a goalless first half, Torres scored twice in three minutes to secure a 2–0 win.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7626897.stm Everton 0–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 27 September 2008 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Torres was confident Liverpool could challenge for the title following the victory: "We know if we can stay near the top of the table in January or February we can win it."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7638370.stm Torres confident of title charge BBC Sport 27 September 2008 15 November 2008 Manchester City were the opposition the following week, as Liverpool travelled to their home ground, the City of Manchester Stadium. They were losing 2–0 at half-time after goals by Stephen Ireland and Javier Garrido. However, Liverpool improved in the second half and two goals from Torres levelled the score. A draw appeared likely until Dirk Kuyt scored in the 90th minute to give Liverpool a 3–2 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7639491.stm Man City 2–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 5 October 2008 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera The following weekend, Liverpool faced Wigan Athletic at Anfield. Liverpool went behind when Wigan striker Amr Zaki opened the scoring, Kuyt equalised in the 37th minute, before Zaki scored again in the 45th minute. Liverpool struggled to find an equaliser until the 80th minute when Riera scored. Kuyt scored again in the 85th minute, to secure a 3–2 victory for Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7665090.stm Liverpool 3–2 Wigan BBC Sport 18 October 2008 18 June 2015 Russell Barder The following weekend, they travelled to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. A Xabi Alonso goal in the 10th minute was enough to secure victory for Liverpool, as they won the match 1–0, becoming the first team since February 2004 to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7674108.stm Chelsea 0–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 26 October 2008 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Three days later, a Gerrard penalty in the 76th minute secured a 1–0 home victory over Portsmouth.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7684632.stm Liverpool 1–0 Portsmouth BBC Sport 29 October 2008 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera November–December The following weekend, Liverpool faced Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. They took the lead in the 3rd minute, when Kuyt scored. However, an own goal by Carragher and a last-minute goal from Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko meant Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season in the Premier League.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7684759.stm Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 1 November 2008 18 June 2015 Ian Hughes Liverpool rebounded the following week as they beat West Bromwich Albion 3–0 at Anfield, courtesy of two goals from Keane and one from Álvaro Arbeloa.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7697418.stm Liverpool 3–0 West Brom BBC Sport 8 November 2008 18 June 2015 Ian Hughes They faced Bolton Wanderers the following weekend, at the Reebok Stadium, with goals from Kuyt and Gerrard securing a 2–0 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7711320.stm Bolton 0–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 15 November 2008 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool hosted Fulham at Anfield the following weekend. They were without injured captain Gerrard for the match, but welcomed back Torres from injury. However, his return did not have the desired impact, as Liverpool failed to score, drawing 0–0. After the match, manager Benítez lamented his side's performance: "It was a bad day, we did not have enough energy and we did not pass the ball well enough."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7727201.stm Liverpool 0–0 Fulham BBC Sport 22 November 2008 18 June 2015 Russell Barder West Ham United were the next opposition, and the match at Anfield finished with the same scoreline. Despite their inability to convert their chances, Liverpool moved to the top of the table following the draw.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7748435.stm Liverpool 0–0 West Ham BBC Sport 1 December 2008 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool travelled to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers in their next match and returned to winning ways with a 3–1 victory. Goals from Alonso, Yossi Benayoun and Gerrard secured victory for Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7748447.stm Blackburn 1–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 6 December 2008 18 June 2015 David Ornstein Liverpool hosted Hull City in their next match, but they fell behind to a goal from defender Paul McShane and an own goal by Carragher. Liverpool recovered through two goals from Gerrard, but were unable to score any further goals, with the match finishing 2–2.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7763481.stm Liverpool 2–2 Hull BBC Sport 13 December 2008 18 June 2015 Aimee Lewis Writing in The Observer, Duncan Castles stated the result was "no way to win a title", ridiculing Benítez's claim that the title was 80 per cent Liverpool's if they were top at Christmas.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/14/premierleague-liverpool-hull Hull resolve dents Benítez ambitions The Observer 14 December 2008 7 February 2016 Duncan Castles Liverpool travelled to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal the following weekend. Arsenal striker Robin van Persie opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but Keane equalised in the 42nd minute. Despite Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor being sent off in the 62nd minute, Liverpool were unable to score a winning goal and the match finished 1–1.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7775578.stm Arsenal 1–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 21 December 2008 7 February 2016 Paul Fletcher Liverpool faced Bolton Wanderers at Anfield on Boxing Day. A first half goal by Riera and two in the second half by Keane secured a 3–0 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7786554.stm Liverpool 3–0 Bolton BBC Sport 26 December 2008 18 June 2015 Paul Fletcher November 2021 InternetArchiveBot yes Two days later, Liverpool travelled to St James' Park to face Newcastle United. Two goals from Gerrard, and one each from Sami Hyypiä, Babel and a penalty from Alonso, gave Liverpool a 5–1 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7788422.stm Newcastle 1–5 Liverpool BBC Sport 28 December 2008 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty The result meant Liverpool had a four-point lead at the top of the table going into the New Year.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/28/newcastle-liverpool-football-premier-league Premier League: Liverpool sorry Newcastle to increase lead at top The Guardian 28 December 2008 8 February 2016 Howard Swains Following the match, captain Gerrard was arrested over an incident in a bar where it was alleged that he punched a man over a row about music.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/29/steven-gerrard-arrest-bar-brawl-fight Steven Gerrard faces assault charge over bar fracas The Guardian 30 December 2008 8 February 2016 Helen Carter He was subsequently cleared of the charges in July.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8167000.stm Gerrard cleared after bar brawl BBC News 24 July 2009 8 February 2016 January–February On 10 January 2009, Liverpool faced Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. In his pre-match press conference, manager Benítez attacked Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson over observations he had made about upcoming fixtures.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/09/rafael-benitez-alex-ferguson-outburst Premier League: The full transcript of Rafael Benítez's rant at Sir Alex Ferguson The Guardian 9 January 2009 8 February 2016 Liverpool subsequently drew the match 0–0 with Stoke City. Benítez was content with the result: "It is a game we could win but we could also have lost too, and it was important not to lose. When we play against 10 men and an organised team it is not easy."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7808360.stm Stoke 0–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 10 January 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Nine days later, Liverpool faced local rivals Everton at Anfield. Gerrard scored from 25 yd m in the 68th minute to give Liverpool the lead. However, they were unable to hold onto the lead as Everton midfielder Tim Cahill scored in the 87th minute to level the score at 1–1.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7815678.stm Liverpool 1–1 Everton BBC Sport 19 December 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool's next match was against Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium. Midfielder Benayoun gave Liverpool the lead in the 41st minute but as in the two previous matches, they were unable to hold onto the lead. Midfielder Lucas conceded a penalty for a foul on Jason Koumas, which was converted by striker Mido on his debut in the 83rd minute to level the score at 1–1.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7844586.stm Wigan 1–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 28 January 2009 18 June 2015 Paul Fletcher The result saw Liverpool drop to third in the table.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/7855294.stm Benitez fumes after Reds setback BBC Sport 29 January 2009 11 February 2016 Liverpool faced Chelsea in their next match at Anfield. Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was sent off in the 60th minute for a foul on Alonso, but Liverpool struggled to make their numerical advantage count. It was not until the 89th minute that they did so, when Torres headed in a cross from Fábio Aurélio. Torres scored again a minute later to give Liverpool a 2–0 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7856404.stm Liverpool 2–0 Chelsea BBC Sport 1 February 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool travelled to Fratton Park for their next match against Portsmouth. They fell behind in the 62nd minute when David Nugent scored. Aurelio levelled the score with a free kick before Hermann Hreiðarsson gave Portsmouth the lead again. Kuyt equalised with five minutes remaining before Torres scored 'a dramatic late header' to secure a 3–2 win for Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7867113.stm Portsmouth 2–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 21 February 2009 18 June 2015 Saj Chowdhury Liverpool hosted Manchester City when club football resumed after the international break. A 'poor Liverpool' drew the match 1–1 to fall further behind leaders Manchester United after they had beaten Blackburn.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7885839.stm Liverpool 1–1 Man City BBC Sport 22 February 2009 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera Liverpool faced Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium the following weekend. Their 'title ambitions were dealt a severe blow' as Middlesbrough won the match 2–0.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7905863.stm Middlesbrough 2–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 19 December 2009 18 June 2015 Peter Scrivener March–May thumb|left|200px|Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidić was sent off during Liverpool's 4–1 victory against their rivals. Sunderland were the next opposition in a midweek match at Anfield. Goals from Ngog and Benayoun secured a 2–0 victory for Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7908457.stm Liverpool 2–0 Sunderland BBC Sport 2 March 2009 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera Following the resumption of club football after the international break, Liverpool travelled to Old Trafford to face league leaders Manchester United. Liverpool were trailing United, who had a game in hand, by seven points as they went into the match.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/14/premier-league-manchester-united-liverpool 'United were better' claims Ferguson after Liverpool hammering The Observer 14 March 2009 14 August 2016 Paul Wilson Liverpool went behind to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, before Gerrard and Torres scored to give them a 2–1 lead at half-time. Further goals from Aurelio and Dossena secured a 4–1 victory for Liverpool, reducing their deficit to United to four points.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7922069.stm Man Utd 1–4 Liverpool BBC Sport 14 March 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool hosted Aston Villa the following weekend. A win was imperative after rivals Manchester United lost to Fulham. A Gerrard hat-trick with goals from Kuyt and Riera secured a 5–0 win, as they moved to one point behind United.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7937107.stm Liverpool 5–0 Aston Villa BBC Sport 22 March 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Manager Benitez was confident Liverpool could keep the pressure on United: "Clearly we have confidence and the team is playing well. But we must just wait to see what happens next to United, while we must keep going and keep the team playing at this level."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7958300.stm Benitez ready for Reds title push BBC Sport 23 March 2009 14 August 2016 Liverpool travelled to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in their next match. They struggled to break down the Fulham defence, with Dossena and Alonso hitting the crossbar, while Torres hit the post with a shot. However, Benayoun secured a 1–0 victory with a 'dramatic injury-time winner.'http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7972760.stm Fulham 0–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 4 April 2009 18 June 2015 Ian Hughes The following weekend Liverpool hosted Blackburn Rovers. A 4–0 victory was secured courtesy of two goals from Torres and one from Daniel Agger and Ngog.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7978841.stm Liverpool 4–0 Blackburn BBC Sport 11 April 2009 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera Ten days later, Liverpool faced Arsenal at Anfield. They went behind to a goal from Andrey Arshavin in the first half, but goals from Torres and Benayoun early in the second half gave them a 2–1 lead. Arshavin scored two goals in three minutes before Torres scored again to level the score at 3–3. Arshavin scored his fourth goal in the last minute, but Benayoun scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a 4–4 draw.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8000555.stm Liverpool 4–4 Arsenal BBC Sport 21 April 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool travelled to the KC Stadium four days later to face Hull City. Two goals from Kuyt and one from Babel secured a 3–1 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8000571.stm Hull City 1–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 25 April 2009 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera Newcastle United were the opposition the following weekend at Anfield. Goals from Benayoun, Kuyt and Lucas secured a 3–0 victory for Liverpool.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8014847.stm Liverpool 3–0 Newcastle BBC Sport 3 May 2009 18 June 2015 Piers Newbury Their next match was against West Ham United at the Upton Park. Two goals from Gerrard and one from Babel secured a 3–0 victory. The victory put Liverpool ahead of rivals Manchester United at the top of the table, but United had two games in hands over their rivals, including the Manchester derby against Manchester City.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8023056.stm West Ham 0–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 9 May 2009 18 June 2015 Phil McNulty Captain Steven Gerrard was hopeful United would slip up in one of the games: "They have a tough game against Manchester City, who have come into form recently, and it's a derby match, which are never easy. We hope Manchester City can do us a favour."http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8042186.stm Benitez hopes for Man Utd slip-up BBC Sport 9 May 2009 25 January 2020 Liverpool's next match was a 2–0 victory against West Bromwich Albion. Goals from Gerrard and Kuyt won the match, but they were not enough to sustain their title challenge. United's draw against Arsenal the previous day meant they finished the season as champions.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8038300.stm West Bromwich 0–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 17 May 2009 18 June 2015 Mandeep Sanghera Liverpool's final match of the season was against Tottenham, a 3–1 victory with goals from Torres, an Alan Hutton own goal and Benayoun.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8048312.stm Liverpool 3–1 Tottenham Hotspur BBC Sport 24 May 2009 18 June 2015 Oliver Brett The match marked defender Sami Hyypiä's 464th and final appearance for Liverpool and confirmed their second-place finish in the league with 86 points, four points behind United's total of 90.https://www.lfchistory.net/Articles/Article/2775 Sami Hyypia overcome with emotion LFC History 25 January 2020 https://www.premierleague.com/tables?co=1&se=17&ha=-1 2008/09 Premier League Premier League 25 January 2020 League table 2008–09 Premier League#League table LIV Results summary 12 7 0 41 13 13 4 2 36 14 http://www.statto.com/football/teams/liverpool/2008-2009 Liverpool 2008–09 Statto Organisation 13 November 2015 17 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150917090150/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/liverpool/2008-2009 live November 2015 Results by round table b Round Ground A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H Result W/W/D/W/D/W/W/W/W/W/L/W/W/D/D/W/D/D/W/W/D/D/D/W/W/D/L/W/W/W/W/W/D/W/W/W/W/W Position 8/2/2/2/3/2/2/2/1/1/2/2/2/2/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/2/3/2/2/2/3/3/3/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/2 Home Away green1 Won yellow1 Drawn red1 Lost 1st 2nd 3rd green1 blue1 red1 complete November 2015 Matches DateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRef16 August 2008SunderlandAW1–0Torres 83'43,25923 August 2008MiddlesbroughHW2–1Pogatetz 86' o.g., Gerrard 90+4'43,16831 August 2008Aston VillaAD0–041,61713 September 2008Manchester UnitedHW2–1Brown 27' o.g., Babel 77'44,19520 September 2008Stoke CityHD0–043,93127 September 2008EvertonAW2–0Torres (2) 59', 62'39,5745 October 2008Manchester CityAW3–2Torres (2) 55', 73', Kuyt 90'47,28018 October 2008Wigan AthleticHW3–2Kuyt (2) 37', 85', Riera 80'43,86826 October 2008ChelseaAW1–0Alonso 10'41,70529 October 2008PortsmouthHW1–0Gerrard 76' pen.43,3781 November 2008Tottenham HotspurAL1–2Kuyt 3'36,1838 November 2008West Bromwich AlbionHW3–0Keane (2) 34', 43', Arbeloa 90+3'43,45115 November 2008Bolton WanderersAW2–0Kuyt 28', Gerrard 73'24,89322 November 2008FulhamHD0–043,5891 December 2008West Ham UnitedHD0–041,1696 December 2008Blackburn RoversAW3–1Alonso 69', Benayoun 79', Gerrard 90+4'26,29013 December 2008Hull CityHD2–2Gerrard (2) 24', 32'43,83521 December 2008ArsenalAD1–1Keane 42'60,09426 December 2008Bolton WanderersHW3–0Riera 26', Keane (2) 53', 58'43,54828 December 2008Newcastle UnitedAW5–1Gerrard (2) 31', 66', Hyypiä 36', Babel 50', Alonso 77' pen.52,11410 January 2009Stoke CityAD0–027,50019 January 2009EvertonHD1–1Gerrard 68'44,38228 January 2009Wigan AthleticAD1–1Benayoun 41'21,2371 February 2009ChelseaHW2–0Torres (2) 89', 90+4'44,1747 February 2009PortsmouthAW3–2Aurélio 69', Kuyt 85', Torres 90+2'20,52722 February 2009Manchester CityHD1–1Kuyt 78'44,25928 February 2009MiddlesbroughAL0–233,724 3 March 2009SunderlandHW2–0Ngog 52', Benayoun 66'41,58714 March 2009Manchester UnitedAW4–1 Torres 28', Gerrard 44' pen., Aurélio 77', Dossena 90+1'75,56922 March 2009Aston VillaHW5–0Kuyt 8', Riera 33', Gerrard (3) 39' pen., 50', 65', pen.44,1314 April 2009FulhamAW1–0Benayoun 90+2'25,66111 April 2009Blackburn RoversHW4–0Torres (2) 5', 33', Agger 83', Ngog 90'43,46621 April 2009ArsenalHD4–4Torres (2) 49', 72', Benayoun (2) 56', 90+4'44,42425 April 2009Hull CityAW3–1Alonso 45', Kuyt (2) 63', 89'24,9423 May 2009Newcastle UnitedHW3–0Benayoun 22', Kuyt 28', Lucas 87'44,1219 May 2009West Ham UnitedAW3–0Gerrard (2) 2', 38, Babel 84' 34,95117 May 2009West Bromwich AlbionAW2–0Gerrard 28', Kuyt 63'26,13824 May 2009Tottenham HotspurHW3–1Torres 31', Hutton 64' o.g., Benayoun 81'43,937 FA Cup 2008–09 FA Cup Liverpool entered the competition in the third round, by virtue of their Premier League status. Their opening match was away against Preston North End. A goal from Riera in the first half and a last minute goal by striker Fernando Torres secured a 2–0 victory for Liverpool at Deepdale.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/04/preston-liverpool Torres has the final say as Keane can only stutter The Observer 4 January 2009 28 August 2015 Paul Wilson Liverpool were drawn against local rivals Everton at home in the fourth round. A Joleon Lescott goal in the first half gave Everton the lead, which they held until the 54th minute when Gerrard equalised. Neither club was able to score a winning goal and the match finished 1–1.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/25/fa-cup-everton-liverpool Stubborn Everton keep Liverpool at bay again The Guardian 25 January 2009 28 August 2015 Jacob Steinberg The tie was replayed at Goodison Park on 4 February 2009. No goals were scored during 90 minutes, so the match went to extra time. With two minutes remaining, Everton midfielder Dan Gosling scored to secure a 1–0 victory.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/feb/05/everton-liverpool Last-gasp Gosling heightens the pain for Liverpool The Guardian 5 February 2009 28 August 2015 Kevin McCarra RoundDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRefThird round3 January 2009Preston North EndAW2–0Riera 24', Torres 90+3'23,046http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7803324.stm Preston 0–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 3 January 2009 27 August 2015 Mark AshendenFourth round25 January 2009EvertonHD1–1Gerrard 54'43,524 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7842831.stm Liverpool 1–1 Everton BBC Sport 25 January 2009 27 August 2015 Phil McNultyFourth round replay4 February 2009EvertonAL0–1 37,918 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7861675.stm Everton 1–0 Liverpool (aet) BBC Sport 4 February 2009 27 August 2015 Phil McNulty League Cup 2008–09 Football League Cup The League Cup is a cup competition open to clubs in the Premier League and Football League. Like the FA Cup it is played on a knockout basis, with the exception of the second round and semi-finals, which are contested over a two-legged tie. Together with the other clubs playing in European competitions, Liverpool entered the League Cup in the third round. They were drawn to face Crewe Alexandra on 30 August 2008.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7588675.stm Carling Cup third round draw BBC Sport 30 August 2008 27 August 2015 Benítez fielded a relatively young team for the tie, which took the lead in the 15th minute when Agger scored. Crewe equalised ten minutes later when Michael O'Connor scored. A goal by Lucas in the second half secured a 2–1 victory for Liverpool.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/sep/24/carlingcup.liverpool Pope's fallibility spares 'best ever' Benítez an Anfield inquisition The Guardian 24 September 2008 27 August 2015 Andy Hunter Liverpool faced Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round. They fell behind in the 38th minute when Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko scored. Tottenham extended their lead four minutes later courtesy of a Fraizer Campbell goal. A further goal before half-time for Campbell, gave Tottenham a 3–0 lead. Damien Plessis pulled a goal back for Liverpool early in the second half, but three minutes later Pavlyuchenko scored again to extend Tottenham's lead. A Hyypiä goal in the 63rd minute was the final goal of the match, which Liverpool lost 4–2, exiting the competition.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/nov/13/carlingcup-tottenhamhotspur Pavlyuchenko and Campbell repeat dose of White Hart pain for Benítez The Guardian 13 November 2008 27 August 2015 Dominic Fifield RoundDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRefThird round23 September 2008Crewe AlexandraHW2–1Agger 15', Lucas 58'28,591 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7626734.stm Liverpool 2–1 Crewe BBC Sport 23 September 2008 27 August 2015Fourth round12 November 2008Tottenham HotspurAL2–4Plessis 49', Hyypiä 63'33,242 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7708820.stm Tottenham 4–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 12 November 2008 27 August 2015 Sam Lyon UEFA Champions League 2008–09 UEFA Champions League thumb|right|250px|Liverpool won the first leg of their round of 16 meeting with Real Madrid 1–0. As Liverpool had finished fourth in the league the previous season, they needed to play a qualifying round against Standard Liège to ensure progression into the group stages. A 0–0 draw in the first leg meant the tie hinged on the result of the second leg at Anfield.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/aug/13/championsleague.standardliege Standard Liege 0–0 Liverpool The Guardian 13 August 2008 30 August 2015 Scott Murray With the match goalless in extra time, Kuyt scored to give Liverpool a 1–0 victory.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7578510.stm Liverpool 1–0 Standard Liege BBC Sport 27 August 2008 28 August 2015 Liverpool were drawn in Group D along with Atlético Madrid, Marseille and PSV Eindhoven.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7584644.stm Man Utd to face Celtic in Europe BBC Sport 28 August 2008 30 August 2015 Liverpool's first match in the group was away to Marseille. Two goals by Gerrard gave Liverpool a 2–1 victory over the French team.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7614129.stm Marseille 1–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 16 September 2008 30 August 2015 Mandeep Sanghera The next match at Anfield against PSV resulted in a 3–1 victory for Liverpool, with Keane scoring his first goal for the club. Atlético Madrid were the opponents in the third matchday at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. Keane scored again, but a goal for Atlético by Simão meant the match finished 1–1. The score in the reverse fixture at Anfield was the same, with Gerrard scoring a penalty in the 95th minute after Maxi Rodríguez had given Atlético the lead. Liverpool faced Marseille in the fifth match of the group stage and secured progression to the knockout phase, after winning 1–0 thanks to a Gerrard goal.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/nov/27/championsleague-liverpool-marseille Gerrard's sense of occasion lifts Liverpool The Guardian 27 November 2008 4 September 2015 Daniel Taylor Liverpool's last match was at the Philips Stadion against PSV, which they won 3–1. They finished top of the group with 14 points after 4 wins and 2 draws.http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2009/standings/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110929225416/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2009/standings/index.html dead 29 September 2011 Group standings UEFA 16 May 2014 4 September 2015 Liverpool were drawn against Spanish team Real Madrid in the knockout phase. They won the first leg 0–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to a Benayoun goal.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/feb/25/champions-league-liverpool-real-madrid Benayoun helps Liverpool storm Spanish citadel The Guardian 25 February 2009 4 September 2015 Andy Hunter Fernando Torres opened the scoring for Liverpool in the second leg at Anfield, before a penalty and a goal from open play from Gerrard and a goal from Dossena secured a 4–0 victory and a 5–0 aggregate win.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7899615.stm Liverpool 4–0 Real Madrid BBC Sport 10 March 2009 30 August 2015 Phil McNulty Chelsea were the opposition in the quarter-finals, marking the fifth consecutive season that the two sides had met in the competition.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/20/champions-league-draw-liverpool-arsenal-manchester-united-chelsea-barcelona-villarreal-porto-bayern Champions League: Quarter-final draw pits Liverpool with Chelsea... again The Guardian 20 March 2009 7 September 2015 Tom Davies Liverpool took the lead in the first leg at Anfield when Torres scored in the sixth minute. However, two goals from defender Branislav Ivanović and one from striker Didier Drogba secured a 3–1 victory for Chelsea.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7977013.stm Liverpool 1–3 Chelsea BBC Sport 8 April 2009 30 August 2015 Phil McNulty Liverpool scored two goals in the first half through Aurélio and Alonso to level the tie at 3–3. Drogba, defender Alex and midfielder Frank Lampard scored to give Chelsea a 3–2 and a three-goal advantage in the tie midway through the second half. However, Liverpool scored two late goals through Lucas and Kuyt to take a 4–3 lead in the match, with one more goal sufficient to progress to the semi-finals courtesy of the away goals rule. A further goal by Lampard in the 89th minute ended any hopes of a comeback as the match was drawn 4–4, with Chelsea winning the tie 7–5 on aggregate.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7977038.stm Chelsea 4–4 Liverpool (agg 7–5) BBC Sport 14 April 2009 30 August 2015 Paul Fletcher Group D Group D n LIV RoundDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRefThird qualifying round13 August 2008Standard LiègeAD0–027,500http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7551414.stm Standard Liege 0–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 13 August 2008 28 August 2015Third qualifying round27 August 2008Standard LiègeHW1–0Kuyt 117'43,889Group stage16 September 2008MarseilleAW2–1Gerrard (2) 26', 32' pen.44,841Group stage1 October 2008PSVHW3–1Kuyt 4', Keane 34', Gerrard 76'41,907http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7639367.stm Liverpool 3–1 PSV BBC Sport 1 October 2008 30 August 2015 Chris BevanGroup stage22 October 2008Atlético MadridAD1–1Keane 14'48,769http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7671443.stm Atletico Madrid 1–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 22 October 2008 30 August 2015 Phil McNultyGroup stage4 November 2008Atlético MadridHD1–1Gerrard 90+5' pen.42,010http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7697235.stm Liverpool 1–1 Atletico Madrid BBC Sport 4 November 2008 30 August 2015 Ian HughesGroup stage26 November 2008MarseilleHW1–0Gerrard 23'40,024http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7741486.stm Liverpool 1–0 Marseille BBC Sport 26 November 2008 30 August 2015 Phil McNultyGroup stage9 December 2008PSVAW3–1Babel 45+2', Riera 68', Ngog 77'33,500http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7763223.stm PSV 1–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 9 December 2008 30 August 2015 Ian HughesRound of 1625 February 2009Real MadridAW1–0Benayoun 82'71,579http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7899591.stm Real Madrid 0–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 25 February 2009 30 August 2015 Mandeep SangheraRound of 1610 March 2009Real MadridHW4–0Torres 16', Gerrard (2) 28' pen., 47', Dossena 88'42,550Quarter-final8 April 2009ChelseaHL1–3Torres 6'42,543Quarter-final14 April 2009ChelseaAD4–4Aurélio 19', Alonso 28' pen., Lucas 81', Kuyt 83'38,286 Squad statistics Liverpool used a total of 28 players during the season, with 18 different goalscorers. The team played in a 4–2–3–1 formation throughout the season. Carragher featured in 54 matches, the most of any Liverpool player during the campaign. Along with Reina and Kuyt, he appeared in every Premier League match. Gerrard was the top goalscorer with 24 goals. Lucas Leiva was the only player to be sent off during the season—he was shown a red card during Liverpool's replay of their fourth round FA Cup tie with Everton. Key No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position Nat. = Nationality Apps = Appearances GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards +Squad statisticshttps://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Appearances/118 Appearances for the 2008–2009 season LFCHistory 6 September 2015https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Goalscorers/118 Goalscorers for the 2008–2009 season LFCHistory 6 September 2015No.Pos.Nat.NamePremier LeagueFA CupLeague CupChampions LeagueTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card1 1 GK BRA Diego Cavalieri 0010201040002 2 DF ITA Andrea Dossena 161201071262404 2 DF FIN Sami Hyypiä 161102100192105 2 DF DEN Daniel Agger 181102150262607 4 FW IRL Robbie Keane 1951010722872083 MFENG Steven Gerrard 3116310010744246094 FWESP Fernando Torres 241431209238173011 3 MF ESP Albert Riera 28331009140540122 DFBRA Fábio Aurélio 24211008133320143 MFESP Xabi Alonso 33430101014758015 3 MF ISR Yossi Benayoun 3281000914291016 3 MF ENG Jermaine Pennant 300010004000172 DFESP Álvaro Arbeloa 291200012043111018 4 FWNED Dirk Kuyt 3812200011351150019 3 MFNED Ryan Babel 27330201014243020 3 MF ARG Javier Mascherano 2703000803809021 3 MF BRA Lucas Leiva Lucas Leiva 25120211013935122 2 DFARG Emiliano Insúa 10020100013000232 DFENG Jamie Carragher 38030101205405024 4 FWFRA David Ngog 1420020311931025 1 GK ESP Pepe Reina 38020001105100026 3 MFENG Jay Spearing 00000020200027 2 DF SUI Philipp Degen 00002000200028 3 MF FRA Damien Plessis 10002120511031 4 FW MAR Nabil El Zhar 1500020201903032 2 DF ENG Stephen Darby 000010102000342 DF ENG Martin Kelly Martin Kelly (footballer) 00000010100037 2 DF SVK Martin Škrtel 21020007030050 Awards Liverpool's performance during the season resulted in the club's personnel winning a number of awards. Benítez was named Premier League Manager of the Month twice in October and March, while Gerrard was named Premier League Player of the Month for March.Benitez and Lampard scoop awards http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7729655.stm BBC Sport 14 November 2008 14 November 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081115005354/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7729655.stm 15 November 2008 liveLiverpool duo claim Barclays awards http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1611995,00.html Premier League 3 April 2009 4 April 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090405211746/http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306~1611995,00.html 5 April 2009 live Gerrard was named Football Writer's Association Footballer of the Year for the first time and he was also named as the Professional Footballer's Association (PFA) Fans' Player of the Year.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/may/13/steven-gerrard-football-writers-player-of-the-year Steven Gerrard named Football Writers' Association player of the year The Guardian 13 May 2009 13 November 2015 Sachin Nakranihttps://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/5283524/pfa-fans-awards PFA Fan's Awards Sky Sports 5 May 2009 13 November 2015 Gerrard was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year, but the award went to Manchester United's Ryan Giggs instead.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/apr/26/premierleague-manchester-united Ryan Giggs pays tribute to manager after adding another trophy to cabinet The Guardian 26 April 2009 26 April 2009 Mikey Stafford Gerrard and teammate Fernando Torres were named in the PFA Team of the Year.https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11662/5244801/premier-league-team-of-the-year Premier League Team of the Year Sky Sports 28 April 2009 13 November 2015 Gerrard and Torres were nominated for the Ballon d'Or at the end of 2009, but they ranked 10th and 11th respectively behind winner Lionel Messi of Barcelona.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/01/lionel-messi-ballon-dor-barcelona Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or by record margin as Barcelona dominate voting The Guardian 1 December 2009 13 November 2015 Both players were also nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year, but finished eighth and sixth respectively behind winner Messi. Gerrard and Torres were named in the FIFPro World XI for 2009.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8400373.stm Lionel Messi wins FIFA World Player of the Year award BBC Sport 21 December 2009 13 November 2015 References External links Fixtures and results Liverpool Official Site season 2008–09 LFC History Season 2008–09 2008–09 Category:2008–09 Premier League by team Category:2008–09 UEFA Champions League participants seasons