The world was a very different place on the first day of 2002 as David O’Leary’s Leeds United strolled to a home win against a West Ham United side containing the likes of Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe.
With several big money signings in their side as they challenged at home and in Europe, David O’Leary’s Whites did all of the hard work in the opening 45 minutes on a chilly night at Elland Road. Australia international Mark Viduka wasted little time in stamping his authority on the game with two goals in the opening seven minutes and fellow frontman Robbie Fowler added a third just before half-time with a cheeky chip over former Liverpool team-mate David James.
That proved to be the end of the scoring but there was little doubt Leeds fully deserved their win on a night when O’Leary’s men took their place at the top of the Premier League table.
With the latest meeting of the Whites and the Hammers set to take place on Friday night, we wind the clock back a quarter of a century to see who featured for Leeds as they blew away their visitors.
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7. Lee Bowyer
Joined Leeds in 1996 after breaking through at Charlton before making over 200 appearances for the Whites. | Getty Images
8. David Batty
A Division One title winner with the Whites as part of an iconic midfield containing Gary McAllister, Gordon Strachan and Gary Speed. Batty returned to Elland Road in 1998 after a spell with Premier League rivals Newcastle United. | Getty Images
9. Alan Smith
Another youth product that was given a chance under O'Leary, Smith made over 170 appearances for the Whites and became an England international before making a controversial switch to Manchester United in the aftermath of relegation in 2004. | Getty Images
10. Mark Viduka
Signed from Celtic to bolster the Whites forward line, the Australia international provided some memorable moments during his time at Elland Road. | Getty Images
11. Robbie Fowler
A shock signing as the lifelong Liverpool fan swapped Anfield for Elland Road, Fowler averaged almost a goal in every two games prior to a move to Manchester City. | Getty Images
12. SUB: Jason Wilcox (on for Bowyer)
Added some experience to a youthful Whites side after winning the Premier League during his time with Blackburn Rovers. | Getty Images