Mark Viduka single-handedly destroyed Liverpool with a four-goal blast in an encounter of stunning drama at Elland Road.

Liverpool appeared to be cruising to a sixth successive victory when they moved into an early two-goal lead through Sami Hyypia and Christian Ziege.

But the giant Australian - who looked a bargain �6m summer signing from Celtic - delivered a display of almost flawless marksmanship.

Liverpool wasted chance after chance, with boss Gerard Houllier left to rue a failed team selection gamble and appalling generosity at both ends of the pitch.

Viduka meant Victory-V for Leeds - lambasted by manager David O'Leary for losing a two-goal lead in The Worthington Cup at Tranmere Rovers in midweek.

Liverpool's title pretensions have been lifted by their recent good run, but the lack of steel and resolve when faced with the Leeds revival puts massive question marks over their true credentials.

Viduka pulled Leeds level before half time, and was not to be denied his moment of glory even when Vladimir Smicer restored Liverpool's lead.

Leeds were in disarray, but were thrown an unlikely lifeline when Ziege went from hero to villain after 24 minutes.

He was guilty of a casual piece of defending, allowing Alan Smith to charge down his clearance and Viduka lofted a precise finish over the advancing Sander Westerveld.

As the game threatened to boil over, Lee Bowyer - who had already been booked for a foul on Smicer - was fortunate to escape a red card for a shocking foul on Heskey.

The battle was now seriously joined, but Liverpool should have sewn matters up before half time.

Constant threat

Smicer and Dietmar Hamann missed clear-cut openings, while Heskey's header was diverted off the line by Kelly.

In a real roller-coaster first 45 minutes, Leeds ended on top, with Westerveld forced to save brilliantly from former Everton midfield man Olivier Dacourt.

And Liverpool had another escape in first half injury time after Ziege had been booked for elbowing Smith.

Berger was then booked for handball, and Ian Harte saw his resulting free kick deflect on to the base of an upright off McAllister.

Viduka had been a constant threat to Liverpool, and he put Leeds level inside the first minute of the second half, flashing a header into the top corner from Kelly's cross.

And Leeds almost claimed the lead seven minutes later after an astonishing mix-up between Markus Babbel and Westerveld.

Chances were being carved out constantly, with defensive mistakes piling up, both Heskey and Babbel missing out with chances for Liverpool.

Liverpool's pressure paid off after 61 minutes, when Czech Republic team-mates Berger and Smicer combined for the third.

Berger stole in behind the Leeds defence, and he crossed for Smicer to beat Robinson from close range.