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30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

By Benjamin Taylor

Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Who will lift this trophy in May and join these 30 teams among the greatest ever to compete in the English Premier League? (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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10. Liverpool, 2000-01

12 May 2001: Michael Owen celebrates with his teammates after scoring the first goal for Liverpool during the AXA sponsored 2001 FA Cup Final between Arsenal v Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT
12 May 2001: Michael Owen celebrates with his teammates after scoring the first goal for Liverpool during the AXA sponsored 2001 FA Cup Final between Arsenal v Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT /

Starting XI: S. Westerveld (GK); M. Babbel, S. Hyypia, S. Henchoz, J. Carragher; G. McAllister, S. Gerrard, D. Hamann, N. Barmby; M. Owen, E. Heskey.

Liverpool finished the 2000-01 season in 3rd, qualifying for the following season’s Champions League. But in truth, it was their performances in other competitions that made this team so special.

In February, they won the League Cup on penalties; three months later, two late goals from gifted youngster Michael Owen snatched the FA Cup away from Arsenal; and then, just four days later, came the unforgettable UEFA Cup Final. Liverpool had led Alaves 3-1, but were pegged back to 3-3 before Robbie Fowler looked to have won it with less than 15 minutes remaining. However, a stoppage time equaliser forced extra time, where a calamitous own goal handed Liverpool the cup, and a unique treble. Aside from their haul of silverware, this was also a brilliantly put together side.

Gerard Houllier had secured shrewd free transfers like Markus Babbel and Gary McAllister, and expertly developed the burgeoning talents of Carragher, Owen, and Gerrard – all of whom were academy products. The likes of Robbie Fowler, Vladimir Smicer, and Danny Murphy provided options from the bench, and were vital as the club balanced four major competitions.

Next: No. 9

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