30 Greatest Teams in Premier League History

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7. Liverpool, 2013-14

CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 22: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool celebrates with team mate Luis Suarez after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Cardiff City and Liverpool at Cardiff City Stadium on March 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images) /

Starting XI: S. Mignolet (GK); G. Johnson, M. Skrtel, D. Agger/M. Sakho, J. Flanagan; J. Henderson, S. Gerrard, P. Coutinho; D. Sturridge, L. Suarez, R. Sterling.

Much like Chelsea’s 2014-15 team, this one should be fairly fresh in the memory. And much like their 2008-09 team, this Liverpool side could and should have won the title.

Brendan Rodgers’ team mostly neglected defensive security, and backed their plethora of attacking talent to outscore their opposition. The lethal combination of Sturridge and Suarez in attack combined for 52 goals in the Premier League alone, and the duo were supported tremendously by veteran skipper Steven Gerrard and midfield maestro Philippe Coutinho. Teenager Raheem Sterling was a fleet-footed terror on the wing, and young right back Jon Flanagan became an unlikely hero by stepping in to great effect at left back for the majority of the season.

Top of the league with just three games remaining, it looked a certainty that they would seal the title. But a 2-0 loss at home to Chelsea was followed by a capitulation at Crystal Palace – Liverpool blew a 3-0 to draw 3-3. These two results were enough to open the door to nearest challengers Manchester City, who won the title on the final day by a mere two points. Just over a year later, Liverpool had lost four key players from the 2013-14 campaign: Suarez was sold to Barcelona; Sterling joined Premier League rivals Manchester City; Gerrard headed to L.A. for a swansong in the MLS, and Sturridge was crippled by recurring injuries. Liverpool’s chance at a Premier League title disappeared with them.

Next: No. 6

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