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Leeds logo
Premier League
Nov 8, 1997 at 3pm UK
 
Derby logo

4-3

Kewell (40'), Wallace (37'), Bowyer (90'), Floyd Hasselbaink (82' pen.)
FT(HT: 2-3)
Asanovic (33' pen.), Sturridge (4', 11')

On this day: Leeds United overturn three-goal deficit at Derby County

Seventeen years ago today, Leeds United recovered from three goals down to defeat Derby County 4-3 at Elland Road.

Throughout George Graham's two-year stint at the Elland Road helm, Leeds United were not exactly renowned for playing an entertaining brand of football.

Also, from his time with Arsenal, Graham was famed for liking his defensive unit to be a well organised one.

Yet, both of those characteristics were non-existent when Leeds played host to Derby County 17 years ago today. It was expected to be a routine victory for the hosts, who had not lost any of their previous seven meetings with the Rams.

With the home faithful expecting a comfortable three points, they were stunned into silence within the opening 33 minutes of the contest.

Dean Sturridge benefited from two errors committed by Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn to put his side 2-0 up, before Aljosa Asanovic added a third for Derby from the penalty spot.

However, rather than accept their fate, Leeds rallied and were back in the game before the break. First, Rod Wallace turned in Bruno Ribeiro's wayward shot and then a stinging volley from Harry Kewell left Mart Poom in the away goal little chance.

In search of an equalising goal, Graham's men dominated the second half, but it seemed that their efforts were going to go unrewarded until nine minutes from the end.

Derby defender Christian Dailly was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area and the resultant kick was calmly converted by substitute Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Leeds were not finished there, though, as Hasselbaink turned provider deep into stoppage time for the winning goal. It was his low cross that rolled into the path of Lee Bowyer, who powered his effort into the far corner of Poom's net to spark scenes of jubilation among players and supporters alike.

Speaking after the final whistle about his decision to bring on Hasselbaink in place of David Hopkin in the 75th minute, Graham said: "David was having an excellent game but I just wanted to try something different. Rather than have the game peter out at 3-2 I tried another forward and played Kewell just behind the front two and it worked."

LEEDS: Martin; Maybury (Bowyer), Wetherall, Radebe, Robertson; Kelly, Haaland, Hopkin (Hasselbaink), Ribeiro; Wallace, Kewell

DERBY: Poom; Rowett, C Powell, D Powell (Hunt), Dailly; Asanovic (Trollope), Laursen, Carbon (Kozluk 52), Carsley; Baiano, Sturridge

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Sol Campbell of Tottenham Hotspurs during the FA Carling Premiership match against Leeds at White Hart Lane on September 26, 1998
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