Leeds United’s defeat to Fulham was a tough one to take, given the unfortunate own goal was conceded in the final minutes of the match.
In terms of the overall chances in the game, Leeds United restricted their opposition but did very little themselves. They had 10 shots to Fulham’s four, with an xG of 0.58 to 0.70 (FotMob).
Daniel Farke’s side remain on four points ahead of a huge game next Saturday against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers. We learnt plenty about Leeds against Fulham but next week’s fixture is now huge.
Noah Okafor was bright for Leeds, but not many players stood out. Our post-match Fulham 1-0 Leeds ratings said as much about the quality of the overall display and match as well.
Leeds needed a Raphinha-like player against Fulham as a match-winner, but Gabriel Gudmundsson’s cruel own goal was that for the Cottagers in the end. But Marco Silva was not too pleased by his side.
Marco Silva’s Daniel Farke praise in Fulham 1-0 Leeds United
The Fulham manager, speaking to BBC Match of the Day, said: “Definitely a tight game, very difficult in some moments to break them down.
“You felt straightaway the changes that Daniel made to his team were to be much more conservative out wide, control better our left-hand side — and they did it.
“With good organisation it is not easy to break them down. In the first half, we were probably too slow, We did not take too many risks and we were too slow, then it is difficult to break them down. They had one good shot from a second ball.
“I think second half we were much better, more dynamic. In these moments, you can have a bit of fatigue and in the last 30 minutes we did create some dangerous moments around their box. Great header from Rodrigo, we should have scored.
“An own goal in the last minute of the game so we have to feel a bit fortunate. A nice feeling for us, a difficult feeling for Daniel and the Leeds boys but that is part of the game.
“It was important for us to keep a clean sheet because we need to create this habit and it allowed us to go on and try to win the game.”
Via Beren Cross of The Athletic, Silva added: “Difficult to break them down. Tempo and dynamic was not at level to disorganise them. Better chances for Leeds. Tempo different second half.
“Rodrigo and Lukic had chances. Fortunate to win game way we did. Not the best for Daniel or Leeds boys, but this is the game”
He then said, via Sky Sports: “Two weeks ago, we had bad luck because of bad decisions from the officials. This afternoon, we had good luck because of the own goal. These things are completely different, in my opinion.
“But we have to feel fortunate scoring in the last minute. That’s clear. Tight game. Difficult game for us Good organisation from Leeds, they tried to block everything in our organisation.
“They changed the two wide players in the attacking line to be more aggressive in a defensive point of view as well. To block, a little bit more, everything down our left-hand side.
“Of course, they did well first half. Much better than the second half. I think in the second half, we pushed a little bit harder — the tempo, the intensity of our play was a little bit different.
“And you push more second half, and we were rewarded for that. But I think the game was very tight.”
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Matthew Lewis spotted among the Leeds fans watching Fulham
Silva’s praise is little consolation for Leeds, even if it shows some promising shoots of a gameplan that could work against other opposition and matches of this type in the future.
Leeds’ support was as good as it always is, though, with the away end packed out and vocal throughout. Not only that, but a famous face was also spotted enjoying the match, albeit from New Orleans.
Twitter/X account @hannahbrad posted a picture of famous Leeds fan Matthew Lewis pre-match. The actor played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter franchise and he has partaken in media work with the club previously as well.
Hannah was also pictured with The Square Ball’s Michael Normanton for the Leeds United Americas national meetup in New Orleans.
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