Mark Viduka inspires Leeds to 2002 New Year win that sent them top | OneFootball

On this day 23 years ago, Leeds United reached the Premier League summit as Mark Viduka inspired a routine New Year’s Day 3-0 win over West Ham at Elland Road.

David O’Leary’s side, built on chairman Peter Ridsdale’s heavy spending, started fast with a front line of Viduka, Robbie Fowler and Alan Smith. Viduka struck inside two minutes, later added a second, and Fowler sealed it early in the second half with a deft chip over goalkeeper David James. According to the Daily Mail, Ian Harte later said the unity that had fuelled Leeds’ rise never returned afterwards.

The result briefly put Leeds top at the start of 2002, two points clear of Arsenal.

Two days after the win, O’Leary released his book, Leeds United on Trial, which caused a rift in the dressing room.

Leeds never reached those heights again that season. Six months later O’Leary was gone, and within two and a half years they were in the Championship.

Daniel Farke and his Leeds United side now head to Anfield to face Liverpool as 2026 begins.

Source: Leedsunited.news