The 1996-97 campaign delivered a dramatic and heartbreaking season for Liverpool as The Reds, under Roy Evans, led the Premier League for much of the year but ultimately fell to a disappointing 4th-place finish on goal difference, missing out on the Champions League. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Robbie Fowler, whose 18 league goals (31 overall) anchored an exciting, attacking side, a campaign also marked by the debut of a young Michael Owen. It was a turbulent year, featuring the "Spice Boys" culture and a deep run to the Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals, and remains a defining chapter remembered as the title that got away.