The ruthlessness of the Premier League was on full show at Craven Cottage in the dying embers of Leeds United’s clash against Fulham, with Leeds desperately unlucky not to win a point.
Certainly, the better side for the first 45 minutes, Daniel Farke’s side allayed fans’ fears of another away performance like the one at Arsenal by Leeds. Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have scored his first goal.
Leeds acquitted themselves well, probably the better side right up until the last 15 minutes when Marco Silva’s side looked to pounce. The introduction of Fulham’s new record signing Kevin gave them a boost.
But Fulham’s winner was a fluke. A goal that should never have happened, but is one also without blame. Unsighted, Gabriel Gudmundsson inadvertently headed past Karl Darlow deep into injury time.
Lukas Nmecha, Jack Harrison and Ilia Gruev prepare to come on for Leeds.
Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jack Harrison posts only for the second time since Leeds return
Often after a Leeds defeat, there is a downpour of criticism from fans. While there is criticism regarding the fact Leeds have scored one goal in four league games, there is a clear feeling of simply being unlucky.
Gudmundsson was unsighted and it was just pure luck that the ball found itself in the corner. If anything, it was a reassuring sign that Leeds can do it in the Premier League away from home, as well as at home.
Posting only for the second time since his return to Leeds after two years on loan at Everton, winger Jack Harrison had a message for Leeds supporters after coming on as a substitute for boss Farke once again.
Harrison posted after the match: “Great fight today, harsh end to the game. Thanks as always for the support. On to next week.”
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Lukas Nmecha was one of five changes Farke made to the side that drew 0-0 against Newcastle. Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Noah Okafor, Brenden Aaronson, and Calvert-Lewin all came into the Leeds side.
Nmecha dropped out, but impressed once again with his hold-up play when he did come on up front. Like Harrison, he said: “Frustrating Game but we will keep fighting as a Team.”
A massive game now faces Leeds, with Farke’s men away from home for a second consecutive match. They go to Molineux to face Wolves, who have lost all four of their Premier League matches this season.