PREMIER LEAGUE PERFORMANCE

With a record 18 league titles and four European Cup triumphs under their belt, Liverpool are always a contender for football's honours. The Reds kicked off their pursuit of the FA Premier League championship in 1992, just weeks after celebrating an FA Cup final victory over Sunderland under Graeme Souness' leadership. Souness was unable to muster a sustained title challenge and long-time Anfield man Roy Evans ushered in a new wave of young talent after taking charge in 1994. Robbie Fowler took over the goalscoring duties from folk hero Ian Rush, and in turn Michael Owen became the attacking focal point for both club and country. With some rich talent at his disposal, Evans revived the Reds who registered four top-four finishes in the FA Premier League. Frenchman Gerard Houllier took charge in July 1998 - initially alongside Evans - and added steel, epitomised by England star Steven Gerrard, to the undoubted style of the Liverpool team. An amazing 2001 saw Houllier's team lift five trophies, including the FA and UEFA Cups, and 2002 proved fruitful as well as they finished the season in second spot - the Reds' best finish in the FA Premier League. The signings of Australia's Harry Kewell and Irish star Steve Finnan further boosted one of the strongest squads in the top division. They achieved a fourth-placed finish in 2003-2004, but Houllier departed soon afterwards, with former Valencia coach Rafael Benitez taking charge.