Leeds United secured a vital 2-1 victory over Fulham at Elland Road, lifting them to 15th place and creating a five‑point cushion above the relegation zone. Jack Harrison opened the scoring, Aleksandar Mitrović equalised, and Charlie Crosby clinched the winner. The win boosts Leeds’ confidence and keeps their Premier League survival hopes alive with ten games remaining.
Match Summary
Leeds struck early when Jack Harrison headed in a swift counter‑attack in the 12th minute. Fulham responded through Aleksandar Mitrović, who netted in the 28th minute after a clever move by João Palhinha. The deadlock was broken in the 67th minute as Charlie Crosby, on his first start, finished a low cross from Stuart Dallas to secure a 2‑1 win for Leeds.
Team News & Line‑ups
Key absences shaped both line‑ups. Leeds were without defender Liam Cooper (hamstring), prompting Javi Gracia to field a back‑four anchored by Jack Haverty and Ben White. Midfield featured Harrison and Mads Hagelskjær, who returned from suspension.
Fulham missed striker Bobby Decordova‑Reid (calf injury), leaving Mitrović as the sole forward. Their midfield was marshalled by João Palhinha and Tom Elliott, with Joël Veltman leading the defence.
Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: Leeds 58% – Fulham 42%
- Passes: Leeds 483 – Fulham 368
- Shots on target: Leeds 14 – Fulham 9
- Clearances: Leeds 21 – Fulham 12
- Interceptions: Leeds 12 – Fulham 8
- Corners (first half): Leeds 2 – Fulham 2
Context & Background
Before the match, Leeds sat just three points above the relegation zone with 21 points from 14 games, having won only one of their previous five fixtures. Fulham occupied 12th place with 23 points, aiming to maintain mid‑table stability after a mixed start to the season.
Implications
The win moves Leeds to 27 points, elevating them to 15th place and providing a five‑point safety margin with ten games left. It also restores confidence in Gracia’s pressing system. For Fulham, the defeat stalls their climb, highlighting the need for additional goal‑scoring options to sustain a push toward the top half.
Looking Ahead
Leeds travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, testing whether their recent momentum can be sustained against a top‑team challenge. Fulham host Everton at Craven Cottage, seeking to rebound and secure the points required to solidify their league position.
