Leeds came away from Anfield with a 3-1 win after three goals in the final 11 minutes.
As Leeds and Liverpool prepare for only their second meeting of the last 12 years when they meet in the EFL Cup quarter-final at the end of the month, some United fans may want to recall one of their most recent victories at Anfield, which came 18 years ago today.
David O’Leary’s men went into the clash on Merseyside having not lost any of their previous four games in the Premier League, and were up against a Reds team that had not won any of their last four fixtures in all competitions.
David O’Leary
However, the form book was seemingly turned on its head with 22 minutes to go as Robbie Fowler – who would move to Leeds in 2001 – opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Nigel Martyn brought Karl-Heinz Riedle down with a terrible challenge.
Heading into the final 15 minutes, O’Leary decided to throw Leeds academy graduate Alan Smith on in a desperate bid to turn the game around.
Alan Smith
The gamble paid off however, as the then 18-year-old reacted quickest as a blocked effort made its way towards him on the edge of the Liverpool box.
Smith showed a level of composure that Fowler would have been proud of to stroke the ball into the bottom corner to level the scores with 11 minutes to go.
A brilliant brace in the final 10 minutes from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink saw Leeds come away with a 3-1 victory. And while the Dutchman inspired the Whites to the three points, it was Smith – who ultimately damaged his reputation amongst the Elland Road faithful by departing for Manchester United in 2004 – who took most of the plaudits.
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