Fulham 1-2 Leeds United
Leeds United are back on the winning track as they dispatched Fulham last Friday night at Craven Cottage.
Patrick Bamford inspired Marcelo Bielsa’s side to a much-needed Premier League victory as he had a hand in two of the goals that they scored to put away the home team.
He scored one for himself near the half-hour mark and then he was able to tee up Raphinha near the 60th minute to seal the deal after Fulham defender Joachim Andersen found the back of the net once for the Cottagers.
The win set the Whites steady at the 11th spot of the table. However, the loss was a huge downer on Fulham’s part.
Pressure continues to mount on Scott Parker’s squad as they missed the chance to move out of the dreaded relegation zone with a third defeat in their last four matches.
However, their Premier League 2021 odds of getting out remain intact since they are at least eight points adrift the likes of West Brom and Sheffield United and they are only trailing by two points behind Newcastle United, whose form is plunging as well.
Read on below as SBOTOP recaps last night’s Premier League 2021 highlights.
Highlights of the game
It was the Whites who set the tone early on because of their energetic play on both ends. Marcelo Bielsa’s men were obviously eager to break their drought in London.
After a back-and-forth between these two sides, Leeds United were the first team to find the back of the net after a momentous sequence during the 10th minute.
Tyler Roberts volleyed a cross from the left side and Luke Ayling looped the ball over Alphonse Areola for a spectacular header. However, the goal was disallowed since the VAR deemed Roberts offside.
Leeds had an offside goal disallowed by the VAR again after Raphinha fired the ball into the far corner during the 20th minute.
Fulham’s first chance came when Josh Maja tested the Whites’ defence, but Illan Meslier pulled off a superb save and Luke Ayling cleared the ball away.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side would finally score without any intervention from the VAR as Patrick Bamford scored off of a clever pass from Jack Harrison after a throw-in from Ezgjan Alioski.
The Cottagers then equalised after nine minutes as they exploited Leeds United’s shaky corner kick defending. Ademola Lookman fired a beautiful volley into the box and Joachim Andersen swooped for his first-ever goal for Fulham.
The Whites would regain the lead for good during the 58th minute as Patrick Bamford placed a wonderful through-ball for a cool finish from Raphinha.
Leeds United’s backline stood firm for the rest of the way as Fulham were unable to reply, having just two chances in the second half.
Key statistics
It was indeed a night to remember for Patrick Bamford as he continues his goalscoring exploits.
Bamford became the first Leeds United player to score in four straight league appearances against a single club since Luciano Becchio versus Middlesbrough from 2010-2012.
He has scored 14 Premier League goals this term, only trailing behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes (16), Harry Kane (16), and Mohamed Salah (17).
The Whites earned their seventh road win in the Premier League this season, which is the most by a newly-promoted side since the 2005/06 season when Wigan Athletic had eight and West Ham United got seven.
They also achieved their first double over Fulham for the first time since the 1984/85 season in the second tier, last doing so in the top-flight in 1967/68.
Ademola Lookman is one of Fulham’s rare bright spots as he has been directly involved in their last five Premier League goals at Craven Cottage (two goals, three assists).
Fulham have now lost 10 league fixtures at their backyard this term, trailing one behind bottom feeders Sheffield United.
What’s next?
The first few games in April will be the perfect gauge on how far Leeds United have come this season.
On April 3, they will host Sheffield United at Elland Road in a winnable match. However, their work will be cut out for them in their next two matches.
League leaders Manchester City are up next on April 10, and then they have a chance to avenge their first loss of the season against Liverpool on April 17.
Meanwhile, Fulham can still turn their season around when they take on Aston Villa and the Wolves next.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
