DESPITE having a seemingly ingrained inability to challenge for the league title for getting on for 20 years now, Liverpool have still managed to notch up their fair share of trophies over the last few years.

On this in 2001 they wrapped up a memorable season by adding a third trophy of the term to their haul to complete a unique treble. Liverpool players began picking up silverware back in February when they beat first division Birmingham City in the League Cup final, although they needed extra time and penalties to complete the feat.

Then the Reds travelled to Cardiff for the first FA Cup final to be held outside of England while Wembley was being redeveloped. Despite being largely second best to Arsenal during the match, and trailing to a Freddie Ljungberg goal on 72 minutes, Michael Owen popped up in the last seven minutes and scored twice to hand Liverpool the trophy and stun the Gunners who were wondering how the hell they had lost that one.

The UEFA Cup was now in Liverpool’s sights and if it’s one thing the Anfield club know, it’s winning in Europe. Spanish club Alaves were their opposition and the two sides played one of the most exciting finals in the history of the competition on this night in the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.

After taking a two goal lead through Markus Babbel and Steven Gerrard, Alaves came back with an Iván Alonso goal before man of the match Gary McAllister scored a penalty to put Liverpool 3-1 up. Javi Moreno scored two quick-fire goals after half time to level the tie but scouse hero Robbie Fowler looked to have won it with a fourth goal for the Reds with less than 20 minutes to go. Again Alaves came back to level with just a minute of normal time to play through Jordi Cruyff but the game, and the trophy, was eventually settled by a Delfí Geli own goal with just three minutes to go before penalties.



“This is a historic day,” said an ecstatic Houllier afterwards.

“I am just so happy for the fans and very proud of them and the players.

“These boys have produced a game which will be remembered for a long time - and that is thanks to Alaves too.”

So the club had won a treble, albeit a treble that did not include either the league title or the European Cup, but still, it was another three pots for the already extensively furnished Anfield trophy cabinet.

While the season looked like being the springboard for Liverpool under Gerard Houllier, it would actually represent the peak of his success at the club. The following season they did finish second in the league but they would only win one more trophy under Houllier (the League Cup in 2003) before he made way for Rafa Benitez, who has had similar success in the cups, and lack of it in the league.

See the UEFA Cup triumph below and come back tomorrow where our cup action runeth over once again.

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