Sooner or later, it is safe to assume, the congestion towards the top of the Premiership is going to clear.

Newcastle will admit they risk being afflicted by altitude sickness. Chelsea are scholars one week, dunces the next.

There is little doubt the numbers will be whittled down but, when the inevitable happens, Leeds United are justified in feeling they will not fall by the wayside.

By overcoming West Ham last night, courtesy of a quick one-two from Mark Viduka and a piece of sublime individualism by Robbie Fowler, David O'Leary's hugely efficient side reached the league's summit for the first time in eight weeks, cherishing a two-point advantage over Arsenal and Newcastle.

It has blossomed into the most intriguing title race for many years, but not for the first time in recent weeks, it was easy to picture Alex Ferguson relaxing at home in Wilmslow yesterday afternoon, oozing with schadenfreude and smirking with wicked appreciation as he learned of Chelsea's latest faux pas and the growing sense of anxiety at Anfield.

With only four defeats in the whole of 2001, Leeds have not been so charitable.

This was their opportunity to deliver a well-timed reminder that, without the gruelling side-show of the Champions League, they have the longevity to sustain a challenge and before most of the players had even muddied their knees, it was apparent they would not squander the moment.

Only three minutes had elapsed when the first holes in West Ham's defence were exposed. Danny Mills fed Robbie Fowler, whose instinctive flick was diverted expertly for Alan Smith, running behind Nigel Winterburn, to burst clear without breaking stride.

There was a sense of inevitability about what happened next, with Smith aiming a precise centre across the six-yard box for Viduka to volley in.

Viduka's second arrived after six minutes and again it was created on Leeds' right. If there was an element of blame apportioned to Winterburn for the first goal, this time there could be no doubting his culpability.

An under-hit pass, intended for Trevor Sinclair, was intercepted by Danny Mills and when he whipped over his cross Viduka out-jumped Tomas Repka to flash a powerful header beyond David James.

It might have been inconceivable a few weeks ago but if Leeds had failed to win last night Manchester United would have gone top by beating Newcastle at Old Trafford tonight. Now it is clear Ferguson will have to continue being patient in his game of catch-up.

Rather than descend into an exercise of damage limitation, however, West Ham quickly shook their heads clear and, in possession at least, gave as good as they got for the remainder of the first half.

Unfortunately for them Paolo di Canio was absent with a seasonal hamstring strain, meaning they were missing their most imaginative attacker, and their bright forward play too often came to nothing on the edge of the area.

Leeds could never be accused of lacking such a penetrative edge and, within five minutes of the restart, any lingering worries in the Elland Road stands had evaporated.

This time Viduka was the creator with a nifty back-heel that caught in Lee Bowyer 's heels and squirted out to Fowler, who was loitering with intent on the left-hand corner of the penalty area.

Spotting that James had left his goal-line, Fowler's nonchalantly executed chip over his former Liverpool team-mate was exquisite. It was his sixth goal in his last four games and, without question, the best yet.

On their travels, West Ham have conceded more goals than anyone else in the Premiership. Only the quick reactions of James prevented Fowler from doubling his own tally, the striker having a fine volley saved on 67 minutes, and O'Leary will reflect that their superiority throughout the second half merited further rewards.

And all of this on top of a crippling injury list - the manager was without Harry Kewell, Olivier Dacourt, Seth Johnson, Dominic Matteo, Eirik Bakke, Robbie Keane, Michael Bridges and Lucas Radebe. Leeds will settle with looking down on the rest of the Premiership. They will take some shifting.

Leeds United: Martyn, Mills, Ferdinand, Woodgate, Harte, Smith, Kelly, Batty, Bowyer (Wilcox 87), Viduka, Fowler. Subs Not Used: Robinson, McPhail, Duberry, Singh. Booked: Mills, Bowyer, Smith. Goals: Viduka 4, 7, Fowler 50.

WEST HAM: James, Repka, Dailly, Schemmel, Winterburn, Cole, Hutchison, Moncur, Sinclair, Defoe (Todorov 75), Kanoute (Garcia 82). Subs Not Used: Hislop, Foxe, Minto. Booked: Repka, Kanoute.

Ref: S Dunn (Bristol)