On signing him, Houllier dubbed Cheyrou the "new Zidane". Over time this tag proved to be a burden as he failed to live up to expectations. His first Liverpool goal came against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, however this would be his only goal of the 2002–03 season. Despite being left out of Liverpool's squad for the victorious 2003 Football League Cup Final he contributed in the earlier rounds, and was on the pitch as Liverpool secured their place in the final by beating Sheffield United.