Leeds United did not do a great deal wrong on Saturday afternoon, and yet, this is the Premier League. By no fault of their own, Leeds return to Yorkshire after a second league defeat of the season.
Having controlled Fulham and arguably been the better side throughout 75 of the 90 minutes, a freak own goal by Gabriel Gudmundsson in injury time saw Leeds suffer a 1-0 defeat to Marco Silva’s Fulham.
A bitter pill to swallow. They went to Fulham with a game plan, keep things tight and try to steal a goal. They almost did that, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Sean Longstaff, and Brenden Aaronson having chances.
But an unusual own goal proved to be the difference. Fans are worried about the lack of goals, but they were seconds away from a point and a third clean sheet in four league games. Now, questions are asked.
Ethan Ampadu in action for Leeds against Fulham.
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
Ethan Ampadu shares what the mood was in Leeds dressing room
Ethan Ampadu was back in the starting line-up and lasted the entire match despite picking up a knee injury in the opening game against Everton. Another remarkable example of Ampadu’s quick return.
Speaking to LUTV after the match, Ampadu was asked by commentator Bryn Law what the mood was like in the dressing room after the match, following Gudmundsson’s own goal and Leeds suffering defeat.
Bryn Law asked; “That will be a quiet dressing room you’ve just left?” Ampadu said, “Quiet, disappointed, but there are a lot of positives. End result is what matters, so we’re hurt, we’re gutted, it is a long season.”
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Ethan Ampadu’s stats in defeat to Fulham on Saturday
There is no doubt that this Leeds side are better with Ampadu in the side. Leeds beat Everton with Ampadu probably Leeds’ best player on the opening day. Jamie Carragher was left impressed with him.
Ethan Ampadu’s stats for Leeds against Fulham:
90 minutes played, 6.8 FotMob rating
56 touches, 34/44 successful passes (77%)
12 defensive contributions, six recoveries, three clearances
Four duels won (100%)
Leeds are on the road again for their next game, a trip to relegation rivals Wolves at Molineux. Vitor Pereira’s side have lost all four Premier League games so far. An early relegation six-pointer next week.