In an unforgettable Premier League clash at Elland Road, Mark Viduka delivered a stunning individual performance that saw Leeds United come from behind to defeat Liverpool 4-3 in a match full of drama and twists. Viduka, a £6 million summer signing from Celtic, single-handedly tore Liverpool apart with four goals, leaving a shocked Liverpool side and their manager, Gérard Houllier, lamenting missed opportunities and defensive frailties.

Liverpool started the match confidently, looking to extend their five-match winning streak. They took the lead within the first two minutes, as Patrik Berger’s free-kick found Sami Hyypia unmarked in the box. Hyypia rose to head the ball past Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, putting Liverpool 1-0 up. The early goal gave Liverpool the upper hand, and they quickly doubled their advantage in the 15th minute. A set-piece again exposed Leeds’ defensive vulnerabilities: Gary Kelly failed to clear a free-kick, which led to another delivery from Berger. Christian Ziege capitalized on the slack marking, heading the ball past Robinson to make it 2-0.

Leeds were already struggling defensively, having lost key central defender Jonathan Woodgate to injury, and things seemed to be going from bad to worse. However, Liverpool’s two-goal cushion did not last long. Ziege, who had scored for Liverpool earlier, was at fault defensively when Alan Smith chased down a poor clearance and stole possession. Smith’s pressure allowed Viduka to lift a delicate finish over advancing goalkeeper Sander Westerveld, pulling Leeds back into the game at 2-1.

The match became increasingly tense, with tackles flying and tempers flaring. Leeds’ Lee Bowyer, already on a booking, was fortunate to escape a red card for a reckless foul on Emile Heskey. The first half concluded with both sides having further chances. Smicer and Dietmar Hamann missed golden opportunities for Liverpool, while Westerveld made a vital save from Olivier Dacourt to keep the score level. Just before the break, Ziege was booked for an elbow on Smith, and a free-kick from Ian Harte deflected off Gary McAllister’s head and hit the post, further amplifying the chaotic nature of the first half.

As the second half began, Leeds were full of renewed energy, and it didn’t take long for them to equalize. Just a minute after the restart, Viduka scored his second goal of the match, heading a pinpoint cross from Gary Kelly into the top corner to make it 2-2. Leeds, buoyed by the equalizer, almost took the lead seven minutes later after a mix-up between Markus Babbel and Westerveld. Babbel played a backpass that was too heavy for Westerveld to control, and Smith pounced on the loose ball. A crucial clearance from Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher saved the day, but it was clear that the game was wide open.

Liverpool retook the lead in the 61st minute. A clever pass from Berger found Smicer, who slotted home from close range to give the visitors a 3-2 advantage. However, Liverpool’s failure to capitalize on their chances would come back to haunt them. Leeds continued to press, and in the 72nd minute, Viduka completed his hat-trick. A brilliant pass from Dacourt found Viduka, who turned past Berger and slotted the ball home with remarkable composure, leveling the game at 3-3.

The match was now on a knife edge, with both sides pushing for a winner. Liverpool, once again unable to manage their lead, were undone two minutes later. Viduka, with a calm and measured finish, chipped the ball perfectly over Westerveld to complete his four-goal haul, giving Leeds a 4-3 lead. The Elland Road crowd erupted in celebration, as the Australian striker’s extraordinary display secured an improbable victory for Leeds.

By the final whistle, Leeds had completed an incredible turnaround, and Liverpool were left to reflect on missed chances and defensive errors. Despite their earlier dominance, Liverpool had been undone by a combination of their own mistakes and Viduka’s clinical finishing. Leeds, meanwhile, were able to celebrate an unforgettable victory, a testament to the resilience and attacking prowess of their star striker.

The result left Liverpool’s title hopes in question, as manager Gérard Houllier admitted his side had “collapsed physically” in the latter stages of the match. Houllier’s tactical gamble in team selection was also called into question, as his side’s inability to hold onto a lead raised serious concerns about their mental and physical resolve. For Leeds manager David O’Leary, however, it was a moment of vindication after his side had endured a difficult period, including a midweek defeat in the Worthington Cup. O’Leary’s men, hampered by injuries and a depleted squad, showed immense character to come back and secure a memorable victory.

The match became a hallmark of Viduka’s career, with his four goals not only securing the win but also proving his quality as a striker. The victory lifted Leeds to an unlikely triumph, while Liverpool were left with bitter disappointment, questioning their title credentials.