1 min
Fulham’s Championship promotion hopes were dealt another blow after a 3-0 defeat to fellow promotion rivals Leeds United at Elland Road.
Despite the west London club dominating the early stages, it was Patrick Bamford who opened the scoring for the home side with just ten minutes played, coolly dispatching from a Helder Costa cross.
The Cottagers responded well and had two chances denied just before the first drinks break – Anthony Knockaert’s volley saved by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier before Bobby Reid lost his footing at the vital moment.
The Whites then capitalised on some questionable Fulham defending early in the second-half to stretch their lead to 2-0.
And Leeds sealed Fulham’s fate in the 71st minute after Jack Harrison ran onto a defence-splitting Pablo Hernandez pass to widen the goal margin to three.
The result moves Leeds to the top of the table, three points ahead of West Bromwich Albion while Fulham remain fourth, seven points off the automatic promotion places.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Hernandez’s half-time introduction for Bamford raised a few eyebrows but the Spaniard was instrumental in everything good Leeds produced going forward.
Moan of the Match
Fulham were uncharacteristically open and leggy in the second period after such an impressive start to the game, allowing Leeds to press and counter with ease.
Talking Point
44.2% of Fulham’s league goals this season have come from Aleksandar Mitrovic, the highest in the division by almost 9%. Is it time for Fulham to come up with a Plan B?
Man of the Match
Anthony Knockaert – the Frenchman looked Fulham’s most dangerous player, cutting in from the right onto his left foot and forcing some important saves from Meslier.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Tony Harrington (Cleveland) – didn’t get off the best start after failing to call a foul for Mitrovic’s elbow on Ben White and continued to struggle throughout.
Atmosphere
The home side missed the Elland Road roar in the first-half as they lacked intensity and a number of decisions did not go their way.
Verdict
Fulham were the better side for significant parts but did not have much to show for it and will now have to reconsider any hopes of automatic promotion.
