Leeds United clinched a 1‑0 victory over Fulham at Elland Road thanks to a dramatic 91st‑minute strike from substitute Lukas Nmecha. The win lifts Leeds eight points clear of the relegation zone and ends Fulham’s six‑game unbeaten run, shifting the London club down to 10th place in the Premier League.
Match Overview
Leeds entered the game with a clear purpose, honoring club legend Terry Yorath while needing points to escape the drop zone. Manager Javi Gracia set up a high‑pressing, possession‑based side that dominated the early phases, creating several chances but failing to break the deadlock before halftime.
Key Substitution
In the 71st minute Gracia replaced Kyle Walker with Lukas Nmecha. The German‑born forward quickly found rhythm, linking with Rodrigo Gómez and making intelligent runs behind Fulham’s defence. Nmecha’s persistence paid off in stoppage time when a low drive from the edge of the box was cleared to Callum Wilson, whose cross returned to Nmecha for the decisive finish.
Statistical Snapshot
- Shots: Leeds 17, Fulham 6
- Possession: Leeds 61%, Fulham 39%
- Passes completed: Leeds 542, Fulham 389
- Tackles in final 15 minutes: Leeds 12
- Shots on target: Fulham 4, including a double‑save by goalkeeper Marcus Rashford
Impact on the Table
The victory pushes Leeds eight points clear of the relegation zone, providing a crucial buffer as the season reaches its decisive stages. For Fulham, the loss drops them to 10th place, widening the gap to the European qualification spots and increasing pressure on manager Marco Silva ahead of a tough run of fixtures.
Future Outlook
Gracia praised his squad for the resilience shown in a match that carried emotional significance beyond the three points. Nmecha highlighted his gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to keep delivering when called upon. Meanwhile, Silva emphasized confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back, focusing on converting chances in upcoming games against top‑six rivals.
