The 2001-02 campaign was a season of dramatic resurgence and European glory for Liverpool as The Reds secured a spectacular 2nd-place finish in the Premier League, their highest in two decades, and clinched the UEFA Super Cup and FA Charity Shield. Leading the charge was the clinical Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen, whose 19 league goals proved decisive in a campaign built on defensive solidity and a relentless, late title push. It was a turbulent year that saw manager Gérard Houllier's emotional return from heart surgery and cemented the emergence of Steven Gerrard as a key player.