Although Liverpool was seven points ahead at a stage , multiple losses made them finish the season in fifth place .
Only after the season ended did the full extent of Leeds 's problems become clear ; they had more debt than the rest of the Premier League ( barring Fulham and Chelsea ) combined , and were in imminent danger of bankruptcy. While their runners-up finish the previous year had sparked hopes that Liverpool were finally becoming serious contenders again , this season proved a major step backwards for the club , who never seriously challenged for the title at any point .
2002ï¿½03 FA Premier League