Beautiful chaos
Fulham probably had more to gain from this match with their relegation battle but Leeds had a curse to break. Early on it looked like Leeds were still getting used to VAR in the Premier League with yet another goal allowed but the disallowed by VAR with a pinpoint header by Ayling. After a pointing finger, and a kneecap this time it was a wavy hand. Poor Ayling, he showed the world his mane only to have the goal chalked off.
Ayling had a busy night with some desperate defending in front of goal. Overall it looked like Leeds’ had the busier of the penalty boxes.
Tonight was the night Leeds broke their London curse of 39 months. It has taken its toll. It was right that Bamford should have that first goal to see us take the lead. He found that space in the box – just class.
The team were tired by the end of the match. They have a small squad with academy players on the subs bench. Rodrigo was ominously missing. Bamford, who was right in the mix tonight, limped off early carrying an injury from the previous match.
The physicality of Leeds game tonight was probably what stopped Fulham from finding the net, as they had more chances than Leeds tonight. But teams can always play against Leeds as shown by the set piece corner goal from Fulham.
Scott Parker is disappointed by Fulham’s performance tonight. His team were better on the statistics with performance, goal attempts but he says Leeds were better on the pitch.
Leeds controlled the game through creating chaos and taking their chances, and ensuring Fulham couldn’t cope with Leeds’ hustle and bustle. The difference was a player like Raphinha who created a goal with two players on his back.
Man of the Match: Ayling
