Leeds defeat Fulham 2-1 after closely contested match – Premier League result
Friday night’s Premier League fixture came at Craven Cottage, where Fulham hosted Leeds United in what was a crucial game for the hosts in their bid for Premier League survival.
For Leeds, it was a chance to close in on the top-half of the Premier League table, as 3 points would move them to within 2 points of 10th placed Arsenal.
VAR denied Leeds an early goal
NO GOAL
Luke Ayling thinks he has his first goal of the season – but VAR has other ideas
📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL
📱 Follow #FULLEE here: https://t.co/NfNYb646by
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/iJBBLMNrtz— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 19, 2021
Leeds thought they had scored the opening goal in this Premier League fixture against Fulham after a superb headed finish by Luke Ayling.
After a cross from the right side looped across the Fulham box, right-back Ayling met the ball with a well-guided header that looped over a helpless Alphonse Areola.
However, VAR intervened and later deemed the crosser, Tyler Roberts, to be slightly offside via his shoulder when he received his pass before producing the cross.
The goal would have been Ayling’s first Premier League goal.
Leeds finally got the opener through Bamford
The first goal of this Premier League fixture between Fulham and Leeds United was scored by the visitors in the 29th minute thanks to their top striker, Patrick Bamford.
A throw-in from the left wing found Leeds winger Jack Harrison right next to the by-line just outside the box.
Harrison fired a cross to the near post, where he found Bamford, who had no problem finishing it first time into the bottom corner past Fulham keeper Areola.
The goal came moments after Fulham had a great chance to score through Josh Maja’s shot, but a strong handed save by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier denied him.
Weak set-piece defending from Leeds granted Fulham the equaliser
Fulham managed to equalise in this Premier League fixture thanks to poor defending by Leeds from a corner.
Ivan Cavaleiro’s corner from the right side was whipped into the box at a low height, not meeting anyone until centrally inside the Leeds box.
Fulham captain Joachim Andersen outmuscled his marker, Pascal Struijk, getting around the defender and simply volleying it past Meslier.
The goal was Andersen’s first goal for Fulham since signing for the London club back in the last summer transfer window.
Leeds counter-attack exposes Fulham
In the second half, Leeds managed to retake the lead and consequently score the winner thanks to a quick counter-attack finished by Raphinha in the 58th minute.
After Fulham lost possession at the half-way line, centre-back Andersen attempted a risky slide challenge on Bamford, who skipped past the defender with ease.
Bamford drove forward with the ball, before playing a short through ball to Leeds team-mate Raphinha inside the right-hand side of the box.
After squeezing between Fulham defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Antonee Robinson, the Brazilian rolled it away from Adarabioyo and then quickly finished it past Areola past the near post.
What it means for both clubs
For Leeds, as previously mentioned, this tough win away from home moved them to within two points of the top-half of the Premier League table – although the 4 teams above them all have games in-hand.
Meanwhile for Fulham, you have to feel sorry for manager Scott Parker. His side are playing decent football, but just are not clinical enough in front of goal.
This loss leaves them 2 points behind 17th placed Newcastle United – who have two games in-hand – and 3 points behind 16th placed Brighton – who also have two games in hand.
Nervous times for The Cottagers.
7 – This was Leeds United’s seventh away win in the Premier League this season, the most by a newly-promoted side since 2005-06, when Wigan Athletic won eight and West Ham won seven. Return. #FULLEE pic.twitter.com/XQCD7StYuB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2021
Thursday’s Premier League results: VAR controversy was the order of the day
Wednesday’s Premier League results: an evening of closely contested fixtures