Watford’s involvement in this season’s League Cup ended with a creditable defeat to Manchester City but 32 years ago it was the then league champions who were humbled in a 2-1 scoreline by the Hornets in what proved to be a significant game for a French icon.

Having won the last First Division title the previous season, Howard Wilkinson brought his star-studded Leeds United side to Vicarage Road in November 1992 for a third-round tie.

Although the Whites went into the game 14th in the table in the first season of the Premier League and were on a poor run of form, they were still expected to progress against Steve Perryman’s side who were 12th in Division One.

Eric Cantona looks on as Trevor Putney controls the ballEric Cantona looks on as Trevor Putney controls the ball (Image: Watford Observer)

However, the gloom over Elland Road was to intensify as goals from David Holdsworth and a Jason Drysdale penalty stunned a team featuring players including Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister - and Eric Cantona.

Jason Drysdale fires home Watford's second goal from the penalty spotJason Drysdale fires home Watford's second goal from the penalty spot (Image: Watford Observer)

The French striker was dropped following the defeat and never appeared for Leeds again. By the end of the month he was a Manchester United player.

The Hornets defender is mobbed after scoringThe Hornets defender is mobbed after scoring (Image: Watford Observer)

The fans celebrate beneath the scoreboardThe fans celebrate beneath the scoreboard (Image: Watford Observer)

Gary McAllister looks to break clear of Gary PorterGary McAllister looks to break clear of Gary Porter (Image: Watford Observer)

Andy Hessenthaler gets set to challenge as Gordon Strachan watches onAndy Hessenthaler gets set to challenge as Gordon Strachan watches on (Image: Watford Observer)

A packed Vicarage Road end watching the game when the Hornets were leading 1-0A packed Vicarage Road end watching the game when the Hornets were leading 1-0 (Image: Watford Observer)

Andy Hessenthaler lets flyAndy Hessenthaler lets fly (Image: Watford Observer)

Striker Paul Furlong on the ball for the home sideStriker Paul Furlong on the ball for the home side (Image: Watford Observer)

Lee Nogan looks to drive forwardLee Nogan looks to drive forward (Image: Watford Observer)

Leeds keeper John Lukic tries to get a hand to this flying headerLeeds keeper John Lukic tries to get a hand to this flying header (Image: Watford Observer)

Paul Furlong laying the ball off into the path of Andy HessenthalerPaul Furlong laying the ball off into the path of Andy Hessenthaler (Image: Watford Observer)