Liverpool's 5 Greatest Ever Premier League Seasons

3. 2001/02 (Final Position: 2nd)

Following Liverpool's cup treble-winning season of 2000/01, Houllier knew he had to build on that success. In came young left-back John Arne Riise from Monaco, Czech striker Milan Baros and goalkeepers Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland, as they looked to push the likes of United and Arsenal all the way in the Premier League. Two defeats in their opening three matches, against Bolton and Aston Villa- Sander Westerveld's catastrophic late error against the former spelled the end of his time as first-choice 'keeper- was a poor start, but they then didn't lose again until 16th December at Chelsea. An excellent 3-1 win against United at Anfield was the highlight during that unbeaten run, with Owen's double and a stunning free-kick by Riise earning Liverpool all three points. The Reds slipped up in and around the Christmas period, winning just once in eight games, and it was that run that would ultimately cost them the title come May. They responded fantastically though and, as has often been the case with Liverpool, they ended the season brilliantly, losing just one of their remaining 17 matches. A late win at Old Trafford and a 4-0 victory at Leeds were particularly impressive performances. Nicolas Anelka, signed in January 2002, added more firepower, while Owen's 19 league goals was a very good return. The likes of Henchoz and Hyypia were top class at the back all season, and the Reds conceded less goals than anyone. Arsenal went on to win the title, and considering the huge pressure Liverpool were putting on them week in week out between February and May, Wenger's side deserved huge credit for hanging on. It had been a wonderful attempt by Houllier and his team. Strongest Starting XI: Dudek; Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia (c), Riise; Hamann, McAllister, Gerrard, Murphy; Owen, Heskey