There have been many ups and downs for Leeds United on the opening day of the season.
To mark fixture release day, we look back at five opening Premier League opening day victories for the Whites.
Saturday 15 August 1992-
Leeds United 2 (Chapman 14, 86)
Wimbledon 1 (Barton 76)
Venue: Elland Road
A brace from Lee Chapman ensured Leeds United’s top-flight title defence got off to a winning start. In what was the club’s first Premier League match, following the end of the old First Division. Leeds took the lead inside 14 minutes when Gary McAllister’s cross was flicked on by Rod Wallace and Chapman converted from close range after Wimbledon failed to clear. Wimbledon levelled with 14 minutes remaining when Warren Barton lobbed John Lukic with an outstanding effort from range. However, 10 minutes later, Chapman sealed the victory with a fine half volley, after being teed up by Eric Cantona.
Saturday 19th August 1995
West Ham United 1 (Williamson 5)
Leeds United 2 (Yeboah 48, 57)
Venue: Upton Park
Leeds were again victorious thanks to another brace on opening day, this time from Tony Yeboah as the Whites come from behind to win. West Ham took the lead inside five minutes when Keith Rowlands’ low cross landed at the feet of Danny Williamson at the back post who couldn’t miss. Leeds hit back three minutes into the second half, with Yeboah powering a header home following Gary Kelly’s cross. Kelly and Yeboah again combined for Leeds’ winner, with the young-full back playing a through ball to the Ghana international and he smashed home a sublime half volley, giving Hammers goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko no chance.
Saturday 19 August 2000
Leeds United 2 (Smith 15, 37)
Everton 0
Venue: Elland Road
Another double in August 2000 secured Leeds United an opening day Premier League victory over Manchester City at Elland Road. Leeds took an early lead, Lee Bowyer’s short corner led to Michael Bridges crossing and Alan Smith found the net with a glancing header from six yards. Mark Hughes fired wide from a free-kick for the visitors, whilst Ian Harte went close with a set-piece of his own. Leeds added a second in the 37th minute following another corner with Harte forcing Paul Gerrard into a save from 25 yards, but there was nothing he could do to prevent Smith from scrambling the ball home from close range. Bowyer and Mark Viduka went close in the second half, as Leeds came away with all three points.
Saturday 18 August 2001
Leeds United 2 (Bowyer 67, Smith 81)
Southampton 0
Venue: Elland Road
Leeds were victorious on the opening day of the 2001/02 season with a 2-0 win over Southampton at Elland Road. Mark Viduka had the best chance of the first half, heading Ian Harte’s corner just over. The Whites had Nigel Martyn to thank for keeping the scores level after the break, when he denied Uwe Rosler with the German through on goal. Leeds took the lead from another Harte corner. His set-piece was headed back across goal by Rio Ferdinand and Lee Bowyer smashed home. Alan Smith sealed the victory with nine minutes remaining, superbly turning past Rory Delap following Eirik Bakke’s pass, before slotting home.
Saturday 17 August 2002
Leeds United 3 (Barmby 15, Viduka 45, Keane 80)
Manchester City 0
Venue: Elland Road
Terry Venables’ first match in charge of Leeds United got off to the perfect start with a 3-0 victory against Manchester City. Leeds debutant Nick Barmby scored the opener after 15 minutes, latching onto Lee Bowyer’s cross ahead of City goalkeeper Carlo Nash, before finding the net. Barmby then provided the vital pass as Leeds went two goals up, courtesy of Mark Viduka who kept his composure to slot home the chance. Substitute Robbie Keane rounded off the win, addding a third with 10 minutes remaining with a fantastic lob.
Source: LUFC
