2011 in review: Liverpool

By Emdad Rahman 

Orignal article: Twelve months have passed by in a flash. Here’s a fan's perspective of the highlights and lowlights of the year.

January

Kenny Dalglish is dragged off his sun bed and thrust headfirst into the Anfield hot seat for the second time. There is a mass outpouring of jubilation and expectation as King Kenny takes over from Roy Hodgson.

In one of the astonishing transfers in football, Fernando Torres leaves Liverpool to join a “big club” at Chelsea, whilst Toon star Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez - Ghana’s favourite Uruguayan both join Liverpool. Ryan Babel leaves Liverpool for Hoffenheim.

February

After defeating Sparta Prague 1-0 at home Liverpool lose 3-1 to West Ham at Upton Park. It’s a dismal month with victory over Stoke leading to an away loss to Chelsea and a 1-1 home draw against Wigan.

March

Dirk Kuyt scores a hat-trick as Manchester United are annihilated at Anfield. Luis Suarez is sublime as he sets up all three goals, and Liverpool boss the game with 53 percent of possession.

April

Around 10,000 people attended the ticket-only Hillsborough memorial at Anfield. The names of all 96 victims are read out and a candle lit in memory of each one. A minute's silence is observed at 3.06pm, the moment when the 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest was abandoned.

In a touching moment, Rafael Benitez broke down in tears and the Kop bring down the house down for the ex-Liverpool boss.

Raul Meireles is named the ESPN PFA Fans' Player of the Year, an award voted for by Barclays Premier League supporters. Meireles beats off Samir Nasri, Dimitar Berbatov, Fernando Torres and David Luiz .

May

Liverpool thrash Mark Hughes’ Fulham at Craven Cottage but lose to Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa. The defeats served a stark reminder of the task ahead.

June

Jordan Henderson, aged 20, joins Liverpool for £20 million and speaks of his desire to emulate club legend Steven Gerrard.

July

Charlie Adam becomes Liverpool’s second major summer signing. The ex-Glasgow Rangers star had a year left on his Blackpool contract and the Reds pay £6.75 million to prise him away from the Seasiders.

Liverpool also sign England winger Stewart Downing from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

Alexander Doni leaves Roma to become back up to Pepe Reina.

August

Spanish full back José Enrique joins Liverpool from Newcastle United for £6 million.

Uruguayan star Sebastian Coates snubs the riches at Manchester City to join his compatriot Luis Suarez at Anfield, whilst on transfer deadline day, Craig Bellamy leaves Manchester City to rejoin Liverpool four years after leaving the Reds

In a final twist, Raul Meireles hands in a 12th hour transfer request and joins Chelsea just before the transfer window closes.

September

Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel are sent off as Liverpool are thrashed 4-0 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Luka Modric, Jermaine Defoe and a brace from Emmanuel Adebayor sees the Reds suffer a second successive league defeat.

October

In the Merseyside derby, watched by US Basketball star LeBron James, Jack Rodwell is controversially sent off as Liverpool win 2-0 courtesy of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

Liverpool are held by Manchester United at home. Controversy follows as Patrice Evra accuses striker Luis Suarez of racially abusing him during the 1-1 draw at Anfield. Andre Marriner records Evra’s allegations about Suarez in his match report.

November

Liverpool win the battles at the Bridge as Chelsea are impressively despatched twice in ten days. Maxi and a last minute stunner from Glen Johnson is enough to cancel out Daniel Sturridge’s equaliser for three points, whilst Maxi again and Martin Kelly ensure the Reds passage to the Carling Cup semi-final less than a fortnight later.

Lucas’s season is over as he injures his knee and is stretchered off the field.

December

Luis Suarez receives an eight game ban and a £40,000 fine by an FA independent regulatory commission for racially abusing Patrice Evra. Liverpool say they are standing by the Uruguayan and will appeal. Supportive t-shirts are donned in support against Wigan.

Steven Gerrard returns to the squad against Blackburn and adds an instant thrust to Liverpool’s offensive play. The skipper’s appearance cannot prevent a disappointing home draw against basement Rovers.

Suarez is also named as Sky Sports' Player of the Year for 2011, despite a voting row in which Liverpool FC supporters accuse the broadcaster of interfering with their own poll.