The natural reaction after a defeat is to criticise the mistakes, point the finger at what went wrong. But for Leeds United fans, it is even harder to swallow because the result was down to pure luck.
Daniel Farke described his side’s performance at Fulham as a near-perfect display. The game plan was to remain tight and try and steal a goal on the counter, and they almost did. Sean Longstaff hitting the bar.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have been offside but he should have done better with a header, and then Brenden Aaronson’s flick tested Bernd Leno. This is how Leeds will have to play in the Premier League.
Especially, away from home. For 75 minutes, Karl Darlow was untested. The introduction of Kevin changed the game for Fulham and after his curling effort was magically tipped over by Darlow, Fulham scored.
Gabriel Gudmundsson tussles with Rodrigo Muniz.
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
Aidy White on what Gabriel Gudmundsson did at full-time
A fluke own goal, a corner that seemed to have unsighted Gudmundsson. The ball planting itself on the Sweden international’s forehead and ending up perfectly, or not so for Leeds fans, right in the corner.
A point and a clean sheet would have been solid and it is the least Leeds deserved. Yes, there is a worry regarding goals and creativity, but that will come. Aidy White shares what Gudmundsson did at full-time.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the 1-0 defeat, former Leeds defender White said Gudmundsson’s reaction impressed him. “I liked his reaction. He went up to the fans, by himself, straight away.
“Pretty much at full-time, held his hands up in the air, apologising. He showed real character in that moment. I’d have had him down as one of the man of the matches, up until that moment,” he said.
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Gabriel Gudmundsson’s stats for Leeds in defeat to Fulham
If you had to pick a summer signing that has made the biggest impact, the most consistent impact and is already one of the first names on the team sheet, then it is Gudmundsson, who joined from Lille for £10m.
Robust in defence, more focused on keeping the opposition out but also remaining a threat on the left and gets forward well, Gudmundsson has a bit of everything. He kept Adama Traore quiet on Saturday.
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s stats for Leeds against Fulham:
90 minutes played, 5.8 FotMob rating (severely reduced due to own goal)
63 touches, 33/39 successful passes (85%)
Four defensive actions, two tackles, one interception, four recoveries
Five duels won, four lost
One foul, three fouls won
Luck did not go his way but of the 10 summer signings, Gudmundsson has been the best so far. Ahead of Anton Stach who struggled yesterday, and the impressive Sean Longstaff who is probably a close second.