Fulham FC 1 Leeds United 0 – heartbreak at the death. Leeds were heading for a draw only to concede a bizarre own goal in the dying minutes. A solid defence and midfield did their job for 90 minutes to earn Leeds a vital point. Gudmundsson only had to head the ball away, instead, its power beat Darlow into the net.
Leeds were in a good position at the international break with 4 points from 3 matches. But we never win in London. Despite all the hard work fate dwelt us a crushing blow in the final minutes.
With Perri injured with Darlow was in goal. Ampadu was back from injury – giving Leeds some necessary leadership. Leeds had tried and failed to bring in forwards from Fulham FC – Muniz and Wilson, both who played today. A change at front for Leeds as both Okafor and Calvert-Lewin started together.
Leeds excelled in the first half – moving the ball quickly, winning possession to minimise the high press. When we lost the ball three players were around the Fulham playing winning it back. Leeds showed they can also be physical in the Premier League.
Although not a good start of the season for Fulham they were a handful – Sessegnon testing Bogle. But with Longstaff in midfield Fulham had to play wide and rarely looked threatening. Leeds opted for the long ball to Calvert- Lewin but they were largely poor.
Calvert-Lewin had the only shot on target in the first half as both team struggledf in front of goal. Longstaff hit the crossbar late in first half.
Second half started in torrential rain with fans running up the stands to take cover. As expected. Aaronson had a half chance, but it was not until the subs came on, on the hour that the match picked up. Harry Wilson had Fulham’s first shot on target from a ripping free kick. Traore and Smith Rowe came on and used their pace to break behind Gudmondson and Bogle., with Darlow more active.
It was a nervous final 20 minutes for Leeds. Fulham brought on their record signing Kevin on the wing who got the crosses into the Leeds penalty box, and zipped in a shot that Darlow just got his finger tips to. Kevin was by far their best player with his creativity.
Leeds brought on James who injected some pace back into the team, but he lasted barely ten minutes before being subbed with an injury.
But it was Kevin again , forcing a corner,that made the difference. But it was heartbreak at the death as Leeds conceded to a corner with Gudmonson scoring an extraordinary headed own goal. It was too late to reply and Leeds lost a match they should have seen out to a draw, even with Fulahm pushing Leeds hard in the last ten minutes.
It as not the standard we have seen from Stach. An early yellow card, and a poor free kick. Bogle was positive driving the ball forward on the right, with Okafor showing moments of creativity on the left. Gudmundsson was a wall on the left back but his own goal spoiled a good performance. Longstaff played a big role in midfield to win battles and was lucky not to score in the first half.
Man of the match – Ampadu who in front of defence commanded a strong line.
