Liverpool FC: The Roller Coaster

As last year's season came to a close, Liverpool supporters began to talk with much emotion and hope about the coming season. We were apprehensive, wondering and hoping that this next season would continue from the point where we left off in May.

Our hopes were boosted with the new contracts for Kuyt, Torres, Gerrard, and Benayoun. As summer progressed there was much speculation made on the subject of both Xavi Alonso and Javier Mascherano; would they leave?

If so, where to?

Or could we retain their services for the impending season ahead? 

Rafa made the most of his summer transfer dealings and signed Glen Johnson, a proven right back with an attacking game. But the press made even more of Xavi's departure, which, coupled with the flaky results during our summer friendlies, left many of us wondering about our beloved Red Men and the elusive 19th title.

Still, I was not concerned for the season ahead. After all, Liverpool boasted the strongest midfield (despite the loss of Xavi), our Keeper is the three time winner of the Golden Gloves, we possess one of the world's most formidable strikers, and we have a tough back line headed by Jamie Carragher.

Rafa did his best in replacing Alonso with Alberto Aquilani and when fit, should provide another attacking dimension to our game while hopefully creating fluid passing.

However, the beginning of the 2009/10 season was a bit rocky.  Losing to the Spurs on opening day left reporters, bookies, and fans scratching their heads.

Where was the team who pushed for the title all last year?

During the mid week, Liverpool seemed to have passed their opening day jitters, and in fine fashion, disposed of Stoke. Passion was elevated once again; it looked as if Liverpool was firing on all cylinders. That this could indeed be "our year."

Then Monday night, we looked dismal, and lost our first home match in two years to a team that has not beaten us in nearly a decade, Aston Villa.

Once again, the football world is left to scratch its collective head, wondering where the team from mid week was.

Will Liverpool pick up their game and push for number 19?

Who is to say?

One thing is for certain: Our season thus far has been full of ups and downs and twists and turns, but we are only three games in. There is much more football to come, and Liverpool FC have more to offer on the pitch.

We can weather the storm and come out with our heads held high, win or lose.

Because we know that We Will Never Walk Alone!