Luciano Becchio scored his first-ever hat-trick for Leeds United on this day in 2010 as Elland Road witnessed a demolition job on Bristol City.
Leeds United were riding high on this day in 2010, having won promotion back to the Championship the season before.
Simon Grayson and his Leeds side enjoyed a brilliant return to the second tier, eventually falling short of the playoffs as their momentum tailed off in the second half of the year.
Leeds faced Bristol City for the first time in the league since 1979 on this day in 2010, as Grayson’s side ended the day in fifth place.
Luciano Becchio was the hero for the Whites, as he grabbed a 17-minute hat-trick as Leeds claimed their eighth win of the season.
Luciano Becchio scored his first-ever Leeds United hat-trick in 2010
Following the departure of club legend Jermaine Beckford in the summer following Leeds’ promotion, Grayson was experimenting with new strike partnerships in the 2010/11 season.
Davide Somma started the game against Bristol City, and eventually Becchio came on from the bench after the hour mark, with the scores locked at 0-0.
Becchio wasted no time in making his mark, as he gave Leeds the lead just six minutes later. It was a typical Becchio goal, as Robert Snodgrass did well to get a cross in from the right-hand side, which Becchio headed past former England international David James.
Leeds’ advantage didn’t last long, as Jon Stead levelled the scoring just two minutes later. However, Becchio struck again from the very next Leeds attack, reacting quickest after James had parried a shot from Lloyd Sam.
The Argentinian forward completed his first-ever Leeds hat-trick on 83 minutes, heading home a cross from George McCartney to help Leeds claim three points at Elland Road.
Cult hero Luciano Becchio reaffirmed his commitment to Leeds United after the game
Grayson’s decision to drop Becchio to the bench came amid speculation surrounding his future at the club, following Beckford’s departure on a free transfer.
Becchio was in negotiations over a new contract at Elland Road at the time, with some reports suggesting he had rejected an opening offer.
However, speaking to the Telegraph and Argus after the game, Becchio reaffirmed his commitment to taking the club back to the Premier League, stating: “I want to stay here. I want to live here. My agent has spoken with Leeds, and I am ready to sign a new contract.
“Of course, I see Leeds going into the Premier League, and I want to be part of that. I would like to play with Leeds against Carlos Tevez.”
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