Leeds claimed a narrow victory following a sensational game at Elland Road.
Having scored six goals in his first 13 games in all competitions following his summer move from Celtic, Leeds striker Mark Viduka had already hinted that he was going to be an important player for David O’Leary’s squad. But when Liverpool visited Elland Road on this day 16 years ago, he confirmed his value to the team with a sensational display.
With the Reds winning their previous five games, while the Whites had lost their last outing against Tranmere in the League Cup, it appeared that the game would be a formality for the away side when Sami Hyypia and Christian Ziege put them 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes.
The Australian then bagged his first as a blocked clearance found its way into his path. He proceeded to lift the ball over Sander Westerveld to halve the deficit.
Leeds would restore parity two minutes into the second-half as a brilliant run and cross from Gary Kelly allowed Viduka to find the back of the net with a powerful header.
However, Liverpool went back in front as a brilliant piece of composure from Vladimir Smicer led to the winger tucking the ball past Paul Robinson shortly after the hour-mark.
But Viduka’s hat-trick would come after a smart ball from Olivier Dacourt and a wonderful piece of skill from the striker opened the chance up before he buried the ball into the bottom corner.
And Leeds would take the lead for the first time with 15 minutes to go as a poor shot from Dacourt found its way into Viduka’s path. The forward would once again delightfully lift the ball over Westerveld to send Elland Road into a frenzy and hand United an advantage that they would not relinquish.
Viduka scoring the winner against Liverpool
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