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Fulham 2-1 Leeds United


Fulham halted their three-match losing streak by ending Leeds United's 11-game unbeaten run to move up to third in the table.

The Championship's top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, netted his 17th league goal of the season from the spot to give the hosts the lead.

Leeds levelled after the break through Patrick Bamford's tap-in on the rebound from substitute Eddie Nketiah's strike.

Josh Onomah smashed in the winner - his first goal of the season - after the ball fell kindly for him from a corner, moving Fulham nine points behind the second-placed visitors.

Leeds had not lost since 5 October but threw away a 3-0 lead to draw with Cardiff in their previous game - a result that ended a seven-match winning run.

They fell behind early in a fiery and relatively ill-tempered first half when Ben White fouled Bobby Reid in the area and Mitrovic's spot-kick went in off the post.

After Bamford's 10th goal of the campaign brought Leeds level, Ivan Cavaleiro was denied a fine, long-range goal for the hosts by a brilliant Kiko Casilla save.

But the Spaniard could not keep out Onomah's powerful drive as Fulham claimed a much needed victory in the promotion race.

The result, coupled with leaders West Bromwich Albion's draw with Brentford, saw Leeds drop three points behind the Baggies.

Fulham manager Scott Parker told BBC London:

"I'm most pleased obviously with the result. When you come out of three losses you feel things heating up with everyone including the squad.

"We got a result today against one of the top teams in the league and the way we went about it is what pleased me the most.

"People were questioning things last week at Brentford away. This time, against Leeds, it wasn't about technique or quality, people were going to be judging you for who you are.

"I don't want to hear that we played well, I want to hear that people say our players did everything they could to win a football match and I think we've done that."

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa told BBC Radio Leeds:

"We played one of the more powerful opponents in the league who defended well. They scored after one corner and one penalty and they had just one more chance, while we had seven to eight chances to win the match.

"We defended very well against strong attackers. The only thing I am ashamed about from my team is that after we scored, we conceded possession in our half and we allowed them to come back into the game.

"That was important as this moment was the moment to win the match. There are some things to improve."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50791383

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was thrilled to see the work put in on the training ground carried out against Leeds United.

Fulham claimed a 2-1 victory to put an end to the visitors' 11-game unbeaten run, thanks to a performance full of graft.

"Leeds are the most athletic, powerful team, but they're the most structured and patterned team as well," Parker explained. "The movements Leeds make are very scripted, and we studied Leeds for many games.

"You see the movements they make, and all week we drilled those movements, we drilled the team to understand what was coming, to know when the ball went in certain places that these are the movements they'll make. We did that well.


"This team executed the gameplan and ultimately caused Leeds a number of problems today. The overriding feeling I have is pride.

"I spoke to these players before the game saying that, 'you're not getting judged today on technique, or on what a good football player you are. There's 20,000 coming here, myself, my staff, yourselves [the media], people are judging how you are as a man. Can you stand up? Can you stand up when the chips are down, because the chips at this moment are down.'

"Your eyes don't lie at football, and my eyes didn't lie to me. I saw a team on the front foot, aggressive, a team that needed to make a statement, a team that showed passion and a desire, and that's what pleased me the most really."

He continued: "I think that team today represented me and represented what this football club is about, and that's what made me the happiest.

"I said to the players before the game, 'we can lose football matches, we lost 1-0 last week, but there's a way to lose.'

"Today we could have lost against a very, very good team, but ultimately I want to walk around the pitch, shake everyone's hand and know that they've given everything, and they did that today."

At the end of his press conference, without being prompted, Parker added: "One thing I do want to say is regarding the fans; I thought the fans were superb today.

"When the goal went in for 1-1, the stadium sometimes has been a little bit edgy and the players have felt that I think. The stadium today was electric, and the fans were a massive part of this result and deserve this result."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/21/head-coach-press conference-leeds

 

Fulham third after victory over Leeds

Fulham 2 Leeds 1

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Fiesty Fulham earned a hugely morale-boosting three points with a diligent display at Craven Cottage, to lift them to third in the Championship table.

Josh Onomah's 68th minute strike proved to be the difference against an underwhelming Leeds United, who came to west London in second place. However, Despite Patrick Bamford levelling the game at the start of the second half, after Aleksandar Mitrovic put the Whites ahead with a 7th minute penalty, Fulham's battling qualities prevailed.

The encounter was, for large parts, a scrappy spectacle, but for Fulham manager Scott Parker, this is sure to register as a pivotal victory.

Leeds had early cause to rue their ill-fortune when their star attacking midfielder, Pablo Hernandez, had to go off in just two minutes with an injury. The Whites, under increased scrutiny after losing their previous three games – including a west London derby defeat at Brentford last week – got off to the perfect start when they won a penalty, which Mitrovic converted.

Under pressure Leeds defender Ben White pushed Bobby Decordova-Reid in the six yard area after Mitrovic headed the ball back into the danger area. And the calm Serbian striker knocked the ball home via the help of the post from 12 yards.

It was particularly surprising that second-placed Leeds were struggling to threaten the hosts. Indeed, much of the first half was characterised by needless niggling, especially by the frustrated visitors. Marcelo Bielsa's men eventually settled with the majority of possession, only to lack a cutting edge, with Whites' stopper Tim Ream keeping Leeds' forward Bamford marginalised.

Leeds' Helder Costa was fortunate as the half boiled over at its climax, the midfielder striking out at Joe Bryan on the touchline following an altercation between the pair. Both players, however, were only yellow carded.

The visitors atoned for their lack of drive as the second half began – and the Yorkshire side clawed their way back into affairs in 53 minutes. Bamford turned the ball into a gaping net after Fulham keeper Marek Rodak could only palm an Eddie Nketiah angled drive from the right into his path, as Leeds' pacey thrust took the Whites by surprise.

Fulham's response was impressively swift – but only a brilliant save by Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla, tipping a 25 yard pile driver by Ivan Cavaleiro past the post, prevented the hosts regaining their lead.

Parker's men showed good patience, though, and they claimed their reward. From just inside the penalty area, Onomah drove a fierce right foot shot which flew past Casilla, after White only partially cleared a Mitrovic attempt on goal. Other than a couple of late, desperate threats on Marek's goal, disappointing Leeds failed to rise, with Fulham ultimately well disciplined to retain their advantage – and to, importantly, get back to winning ways.
Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Mawson, Ream, Bryan, Cairney, Reed (Johansen 89), Onomah, Cavaleiro (Knockaert 90), Mitrovic, Decordova-Reid (Sessegnon 90)



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-third-after-victory-over-leeds

Fulham 2-1 Leeds United: FLW Reports as Cottagers restore some faith in Christmas cracker

Fulham beat Leeds United 2-1 at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon in a pulsating game of Sky Bet Championship football to narrow the gap to the men from Elland Road in the race for promotion.

Fulham certainly started well. After Pablo Hernandez had to come off following a hamstring pull very early on, the Cottagers set about their hosts with real vigour and intent.

Indeed, whilst Leeds looked to get into their usual passing rhythm, building from the back, Fulham were at them at every opportunity, seizing loose balls and pouring forward.

It paid dividends inside the opening ten minutes, too, as Aleksandar Mitrovic looped a header back into the six-yard box for Bobby Reid and Ben White to contend for – Reid went down under the challenge and a spot-kick was awarded.

In truth, it was a pretty soft decision but there was nothing soft about Mitrovic's conversion – slamming it in off the upright to give the home side the lead.

The atmosphere before the game, thanks to both sets of fans, already reflected the importance of this clash to the pair of teams involved and the Serbian's strike only helped ramp things up further.

The players responded, too, in what was a frequently frenetic first half. Fulham continued to press and harass to great effect; Harrison Reed forcing the issue in midfield – perhaps over the top at times – with Bobby Reid looking bright down the left.

Leeds, though, are a class side in their own right and gradually got themselves a foothold in the game; Stuart Dallas enjoying a couple of chances and Patrick Bamford proving as busy as ever up front.

They'd not find a way through in the first half, though, and instead the final 15 minutes was punctuated by some typically seasonal pantomimical antics.

Tom Cairney ended up pencil diving into the dugout as Luke Ayling scrambled after the ball for a throw-in; queue a chorus of boos, whilst Joe Bryan and Helder Costa – at each other more than once in the half, grappled and the former tumbled right on the stroke of half-time. Both were handed a yellow card for their troubles.

The second half largely enhanced on the trend from the end of the first; Leeds were in the ascendancy and for the first 15 minutes of the second period they enjoyed good possession.

Indeed, it was here they got back level. Alioski linked up with another sub, Eddie Nketiah, whose fizzed effort could only be parried by Marek Rodak into the path of Patrick Bamford – he would not fluff his lines from there.

Home fans could well have been forgiven for thinking that Leeds would now go on and get in front. After all, the reason the Whites have – or had – such a gap on the Cottagers in the league has been down to their extra level of ruthlessness and efficiency.

Fulham, though, did not roll over with parity restored and instead went about restoring their lead once more.

Ivan Cavaleiro drove for the top corner but was stopped smartly by Kiko Casilla, and the next ten minutes or so provided evidence that, despite their recent form, Fulham have got some great spirit remaining in this side.

And, indeed, a man that has sometimes been embattled this year for his performances provided his own reminder of what he can offer, as Josh Onomah put the home side back in front. After Mitrovic tried the acrobatic, the ball broke loose and Onomah, arriving like a train, crashed the ball into the net – an emphatic finish belying suggestions confidence was low among the Cottagers' squad.

Indeed, after this goal, the next period of play went Fulham's way. A game that saw the momentum swing several times, it was now the home side back with the momentum. Bobby Reid would continue to try and dance his way through the Leeds backline whilst Tom Cairney, who'd been in the wars for much of the game, continued to drive forwards with unrelenting enthusiasm. He'd spoken in the pre-match programme at how determined Fulham were to get out of this rut and his performance in midfield reflected that, constantly getting on the ball and looking to impact play despite a fair few knocks.

In fairness, this was a game where both sides gave as good as they got. It was hoped this pair, so well-respected for their styles of play, would go toe-to-toe for the duration of the match and, as we entered the final 10 neither side was going to give an inch, it was a fine battle to watch.

Perhaps suitably, then, the final section of this game ended fairly evenly. Leeds were looking to probe and Fulham were happy to try and break, eager to see out an all-important victory.

And, perhaps even more suitably, there was still time for a little bit more needle. Kalvin Phillips and Mitrovic would have some words on the halfway line during a break in play, a gaggle naturally forming around them but nothing warranting further bookings to be shown.

Alioski would come close to scoring a dramatic equaliser but his effort, a fine looping strike from the edge of the box after a corner, would soar just over and Mitrovic, so often the one smashing them in, would help clear from under the bar right at the final throes.

2-1 to the home side it would end, then, and faith may well have been a restored, just a bit, this Christmas time for Fulham. Leeds, meanwhile, will be eager to get back to action as soon as possible with just one point coming from their last two games.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-2-1-leeds-united-flw-reports-as-cottagers-restore-some-faith-in-christmas-cracker/

Josh Onomah's first strike gives Fulham morale-boosting victory over Leeds

Fulham 2 Leeds United 1

Josh Onomah's first goal in Fulham colours and a penalty from Aleksandar Mitrovic were just enough to hand the Whites a precious win at the Cottage.

Patrick Bamford's equaliser early in the second half had threatened to derail the home side's efforts but they recovered to produce their best football of the match and seal victory, thanks to their summer signing from Spurs being in the right place at the right time.

It was probably his best display since moving to west London and he repaid the faith shown in him by Scott Parker, who looked like a man under pressure after last week's west London derby defeat to Brentford.

This felt like a big moment in Fulham's season. Three defeats in a row had plunged them into a crisis of confidence and they badly needed a win to get back on track.

The gap between them and second-placed Leeds – who were protecting an 11-match unbeaten run in the Championship – is still a telling nine points but at least now they have steadied the ship and can dare to dream again.

Leeds created the first opening – a deflected Helder Costa drive comfortably being held by Marek Rodak - but the visitors suffered the loss of Pablo Hernandez to a hamstring strain in setting up the chance and that always seemed likely to help the home cause.

The Whites were in front after seven minutes from the spot – Mitrovic claiming his 17th goal of the domestic campaign after his penalty cannoned in off the right hand post via the glove of keeper Kiko Casilla.

The Serb played a part in earning the penalty, as it was his volley across the face of goal – following Onomah's chip - which resulted in Ben White pushing Bobby Reid to the ground.

The Whites, for once seeing less of the ball than their opponents, reached half-time with that lead intact, but were grateful that Rodak snuffed out a good opening for Stuart Dallas with a leg block and there were palpitations when Mateusz Klich struck a post.

But Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa brought on Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah at the start of the second half and the striker's cross-shot on 54 minutes was tapped in at the far post by Bamford for the equaliser – the ball having evaded Rodak's despairing grope.

Ivan Cavaleriro almost restored the lead with a cut in from the left and rising shot which Casilla did well to tip over, but on 69 minutes, Onomah did restore the lead – picking up the pieces after the visitors failed to clear their lines at a corner – crashing home from 14 yards after an attempted bicycle kick from Mitrovic had not quite connected.

The match was pleasingly spiky in the first half, with two touchline tussles resulting in gatherings of feuding players from both side.

Luke Ayling's unnecessary shove on Tom Cairney by the dug-outs caused predictable friction. Then there was a wrestle between Joe Bryan and Costa on the opposite side near half way which ended with both players being yellow carded.

In many ways it showed the desire of the home players to show they could mix it to get the result they needed and home fans will enjoy their Christmases much better because of it.

Line up: Rodak – Christie, Mawson, Ream, Bryan – Reed (Johansen 90), Cairney, Onomah – Cavaleiro (Knockaert 90), Reid (Sessegnon 90) – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Bettinelli, Kebano, O'Riley, Kamara.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2019/12/21/Josh-Onomahs-first-strike-gives-Fulham-morale-boosting-victory-over-Leeds

Fulham 2 Leeds United 1 - Whites handed first league defeat since October at Craven Cottage
Leeds United fell to a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday

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Leeds United fall to first defeat since October in the capital.

Leeds United fell to a 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon in the Championship with Josh Onomah bagging the winner for the hosts.

Marcelo Bielsa made one change for the trip to the capital as club captain Liam Cooper returned from injury in place of Gaetano Berardi.

The Whites, though, were dealt a blow less than a minute after kick-off as Pablo Hernandez was forced off with a pulled hamstring.

Gjanni Alioski stepped off the bench to replace the Spaniard and a bad start was made worse on seven minutes as Ben White was adjudged to have pushed Bobby Decordova-Reid inside the box with Tim Robinson pointing to the spot.

Replays showed there was minimal contact with Aleksandar Mitrovic converting from 12-yards despite a strong hand from Kiko Casilla as the Cottagers struck the first blow.

United mustered a response as Stuart Dallas forced Marek Rodak into quick action before Mateusz Klich rattled the woodwork.

The afternoon then turned sour with a flurry of bookings and exchanges between both sets of players with no less than five yellow cards being handed out.

Leeds entered the interval level with Bielsa making one change at the break as Eddie Nketiah replaced Helder Costa.

Fulham almost doubled their advantage shortly after as Mitrovic tapped home a cross from a free-kick but an offside flag was raised on the near side.

United then moved through the gears and it was an Alioski pass that unlocked the hosts defence as he found the run of Nketiah.

The Arsenal loanee broke free in the box and drilled low at Rodak who punched the ball into Bamford's path who made no mistake with the goal at his mercy.

Alioski then tested the goalkeeper again with a headed effort before Kiko Casilla was forced into a stunning save by Ivan Cavleiro who let fly from distance.

Just as Leeds had a foothold in the game disaster struck as Onomah curled a shot into the top corner from the second phase of a corner.

Leeds attempted to haul themselves back into the game as Alioski fired over the bar from distance with Mitrovic called into action at the other end as he knocked an effort over the bar in he dying seconds of the game.

The Whites, though, failed to find another way through as they fell to their first defeat in the Championship since late October.

Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Mawson, Ream, Bryan, Onomah, Reed (Johansen 88), Cavaleiro (Knockaert 90), Cairney, Reid (Sessegnon 90), Mitrovic. Subs: Bettinelli, Kebnao, O'Riley, Kamara.

Leeds United: Casilla, Ayling (Stevens 72), White, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Harrison, Costa (Nketiah 45), Hernandez (Alioski 2), Bamford. Subs: Meslier, Casey, Berardi, Gotts.



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/fulham-2-leeds-united-1-whites-handed-first-league-defeat-october-craven-cottage-1347455

Leeds United Supremo Responds To Fulham Penalty Call As Whites Lose

Leeds United supremo Andrea Radrizzani has appeared to indicate his disbelief at Fulham being awarded a penalty at Craven Cottage, as Marcelo Bielsa's men lost 2-1, ending their lengthy unbeaten run.

Fulham were handed a penalty in the seventh minute of the Championship encounter, from which Aleksandar Mitrovic made no mistake.

Leeds drew level after the half time break when Patrick Bamford tapped in following a strike from Eddie Nketiah, who was on off the bench.

However, when the ball fell to Josh Onomah from a corner kick in the 69th minute, he hit a fierce shot which beat Kiko Casilla in the Leeds goal and proved to be enough to hand Fulham all three points.

Fulham's first goal saw Ben White penalised for a foul on Bobby Reid in the penalty area, but Leeds felt the penalty was a soft one and supremo Radrizzani has appeared to indicate his disbelief.

Replying to a Twitter user who posted a video of the incident and worte "Stonewaller", Radrizzani used the clapping emjoi.

The defeat brings to an end Leeds' run of eleven games unbeaten and sees Fulham jump up to third place in the Championship table, nine points behind Bielsa's second placed side.

Leeds will look to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day when they play host to Preston North End at Elland Road.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2019/12/21/leeds-united-supremo-responds-to-fulham-penalty-call-as-whites-lose/446362/

 Fulham 2-1 Leeds: Josh Onomah hits winner at Craven Cottage
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Josh Onomah's first goal since Christmas 2017 rekindled Fulham's automatic promotion hopes with a crucial 2-1 win over Leeds at Craven Cottage.

The midfielder's clinical finish on the hour moved Scott Parker's side to within nine points of their opponents and halted Leeds' 11-game unbeaten run.

Fulham climbed to third thanks to the win, courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's seventh-minute penalty and Onomah's second-half strike, either side of Partick Bamford's 10th goal of the season.

(https://e1.365dm.com/19/12/768x432/skysports-josh-onomah-fulham_4872737.jpg?20191221170639)
Josh Onomah (L) celebrates scoring the winner for Fulham

Leeds are second, three points behind leaders West Brom who drew at Brentford.

The first goal was always going to be vital and after Helder Costa had sent a first-minute volley into the arms of Marek Rodak, it went to the home side.

There seemed little danger as a cross came into the Leeds area, but Ben White needlessly pushed Bobby Decordova-Reid in the back. The striker fell and Fulham were awarded a penalty.

Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla guessed the right way and even managed to palm away Mitrovic's spot-kick, but unfortunately for the Leeds keeper, the ball struck the inside of the post before rebounding over the line.

For the remainder of the first half it was Rodak who was the busier keeper, racing off his line to block a Stuart Dallas shot after 23 minutes before plunging to his right to push a Mateusz Klich shot to safety via the post.

A tetchy affair then saw four yellow cards issued in the final 25 minutes of the first half as both sides demonstrated the importance of the result for their respective seasons.

(https://e2.365dm.com/19/12/768x432/skysports-josh-onomah-fulham_4872726.jpg?20191221170423)
Onomah made it 2-1 at Craven Cottage

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa clearly felt it, too, bringing on Eddie Nketiah for Costa at half-time. Within 10 minutes, the substitute had played a crucial role in Leeds' equaliser, turning on a smart pass from Ezgjan Alioski, a third-minute replacement for the injured Pablo Hernandez.

Nketiah's shot ought to have been held by Rodak but was pushed instead into the path of Bamford, who tapped the ball into an empty net.

It seemed that Leeds would take advantage of the momentum they had built up to secure victory, but when the game's third goal arrived, it was at the other end.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-leeds/report/409614

Onomah on target as Fulham halt Leeds' unbeaten run

Josh Onomah's first goal since Christmas 2017 rekindled Fulham's automatic promotion hopes with a crucial 2-1 win over Leeds at Craven Cottage.

The midfielder's clinical finish on the hour moved Scott Parker's side to within nine points of their opponents and halted Leeds' 11-game unbeaten run.

Fulham climbed to third thanks to the win, courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's seventh-minute penalty and Onomah's second-half strike, either side of Partick Bamford's 10th goal of the season.

Leeds are second, three points behind leaders West Brom who drew at Brentford.

The first goal was always going to be vital and after Helder Costa had sent a first-minute volley into the arms of Marek Rodak, it went to the home side.

There seemed little danger as a cross came into the Leeds area, but Ben White needlessly pushed Bobby Decordova-Reid in the back. The striker fell and Fulham were awarded a penalty.

Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla guessed the right way and even managed to palm away Mitrovic's spot-kick, but unfortunately for the Leeds keeper, the ball struck the inside of the post before rebounding over the line.

For the remainder of the first half it was Rodak who was the busier keeper, racing off his line to block a Stuart Dallas shot after 23 minutes before plunging to his right to push a Mateusz Klich shot to safety via the post.

A tetchy affair then saw four yellow cards issued in the final 25 minutes of the first half as both sides demonstrated the importance of the result for their respective seasons.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa clearly felt it, too, bringing on Eddie Nketiah for Costa at half-time. Within 10 minutes, the substitute had played a crucial role in Leeds' equaliser, turning on a smart pass from Ezgjan Alioski, a third-minute replacement for the injured Pablo Hernandez.

Nketiah's shot ought to have been held by Rodak but was pushed instead into the path of Bamford, who tapped the ball into an empty net.

It seemed that Leeds would take advantage of the momentum they had built up to secure victory, but when the game's third goal arrived, it was at the other end.

After Ivan Cavaleiro had forced a flying save from Casilla with a 20-yard rising shot, Mitrovic caused problems at a Fulham corner, attempting a bicycle kick that was blocked.

The ball rolled out to Onomah, who directed a fierce shot into the corner of the Leeds net.

Leeds pressed for a second equaliser, particularly in a frantic final five minutes.

A 90th-minute Klich shot was headed away by Alfie Mawson before Alioski struck a shot over the bar in injury time. Then Mitrovic somehow cleared the ball over his own bar after Liam Cooper had headed across goal following a desperate final corner.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/onomah-target-fulham-halt-leeds-unbeaten-run

England 1966 team: Where are the World Cup winners now?

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Martin Peters celebrates World Cup glory alongside captain Bobby Moore, pictured kissing the trophy.

Former West Ham and Tottenham midfielder Martin Peters, who scored England's second goal in the 1966 final against West Germany, has died aged 76 following a long battle against Alzheimer's disease.

Peters, whose death was announced by West Ham, was part of the Hammers trio of captain Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory at Wembley, in Sir Alf Ramsey's side.

Renowned as being the complete midfielder, Peters was good in the air, able to cross with either foot and possessed great movement, being able to drift into goal-scoring positions unnoticed by his markers which would later see him nicknamed 'The Ghost'.

Peters came through the West Ham academy, having signed as an apprentice in 1959 and went on to help the east London club win the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965.

He was one of the stars of England's 1966 World Cup triumph against West Germany.

Find out more about England's 1966 World Cup heroes below...

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Heroes: England's World Cup winning squad with the Jules Rimet trophy (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

1 Gordon Banks | 1937 - 2019

Went on to win 73 England caps and make 628 club appearances in a 15-year career. Still famed for his stunning save from Pele's header in England's 1970 World Cup clash with Brazil. Helped Stoke to the 1972 League Cup though lost the sight in one eye in a car crash in October later that same year, that ultimately ended his professional career. Enjoyed a brief managerial stint with Telford United.

2 George Cohen | 1939 - present

Fulham defender Cohen was forced to retire through injury aged 29, having amassed 459 appearances for the Craven Cottage club. Cohen struggled with bowel cancer for 14 years in the 1980s. He later opted to sell his World Cup winner's medal, though Fulham purchased the item to display it at Craven Cottage. Nephew Ben Cohen helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Awarded the MBE in 2000.

3 Ray Wilson | 1934 - 2018

England's left-back kept the lowest profile of the 1966 winners. Wilson built a successful undertaker's business in Huddersfield after his football career, but retired from his second career in 1997.

4 Nobby Stiles | 1942 - present

Midfielder Stiles ended up with 28 England caps but went on to rack up 392 appearances for Manchester United before a move to Middlesbrough in 1971. A career in coaching followed, with two stints at Preston, before a short-lived tenure at West Brom. Stiles worked as a youth team coach at Manchester United between 1989 and 1993, helping oversee the development of the renowned class of '92 that included the likes of David Beckham and the Neville brothers. His family have revealed he has been suffering from dementia for several years.

5 Jack Charlton | 1935 - present

Made 629 appearances for Leeds and collected 35 England caps, before turning attention to a successful managerial career. After stints with Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, Charlton stepped up to lead the Republic of Ireland. Against the odds, he led them to the Euros in 1988, the last eight of Italia 90 and then last 16 of the 1994 World. Appointed an OBE in 1974 and awarded honorary Irish citizenship in 1996, being made a freeman of the city of Dublin in 1994. Still lives in his native north east.

6 Bobby Moore | 1941 - 1993

Widely accepted as England's greatest centre-half and one of the best anywhere of all time, the World Cup-winning captain died from bowel and liver cancer in February 1993, aged 51. Won 108 caps for England, representing West Ham with distinction, before enjoying spells at Fulham and in America. Moore's widow Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund in 1993, to raise money for research into bowel cancer and raise public awareness of the disease. His statue stands outside the new Wembley to commemorate England's greatest ever day.

7 Alan Ball | 1945 - 2007

Ball - the youngest of the World Cup winners - died of a heart attack in April 2007, aged 61. The combative midfielder excelled in stints with Blackpool, Everton and Arsenal, while also winning 72 England caps. After more than 800 club appearances Ball then moved into management, twice taking charge at Portsmouth along with stints at Southampton and Manchester City.

9 Sir Bobby Charlton | 1937 - present

Jack's younger brother Bobby continues to sit on Manchester United's board of directors, remaining a fixture at Old Trafford matches, and is a true global icon. The 81-year-old Ashington native racked up 106 England caps between 1958 and 1970 and was for decades England's leading goalscorer. He had an unsuccessful managerial stint at Preston before becoming a director at United in 1984. He was knighted in 1994.

16 Martin Peters | 1943 - 2019

Moved into the insurance business after retiring from professional football in 1981, following 67 England caps and lengthy stints with West Ham, Tottenham and Norwich. He was briefly manager of Sheffield United. Sat on Tottenham's board of directors in the late 1990s. Peters battled Alzheimer's disease in his later years.

10 Sir Geoff Hurst | 1941 - present

Still the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, Hurst made more than 400 appearances for West Ham and won 49 England caps. Short-lived managerial stints with Telford United, Chelsea and even a foray into club management in Kuwait punctuated work in the insurance trade after his playing career. He was knighted in 1998 and lives in Cheltenham.

21 Roger Hunt | 1938 - present

Liverpool stalwart Hunt made more than 400 appearances for the Anfield club, along with winning 34 caps for England. Held Liverpool's all-time scoring record until overhauled by Ian Rush, although he remains the leading league scorer. Joined his family's haulage business after retiring from football and now lives in Warrington.

Sir Alf Ramsey (Head Coach) | 1920 - 1999

The former Southampton and Tottenham full-back continued at the England helm until 1974, when failure to qualify for the finals in West Germany cost him his job. Stints at Birmingham and Panathinaikos (plus a caretaker stint at Melchester after Roy of the Rovers was shot in the best-selling comic) followed, before he spent his retirement in Ipswich. Ramsey died in April 1999 aged 79, less than a year after suffering a stroke, and after battling Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer.

Les Cocker (trainer) | 1924 - 1979

Cocker represented Stockport County and Accrington Stanley as a striker during a 12-year playing career. After his retirement in 1958 he turned his hand to coaching with both Luton Town and Leeds United before being offered a role with England. He was Team Trainer in 1966 but was not awarded a medal - like the majority of the non-playing staff and reserves - until June 2009, posthumously.




https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/where-are-england-1966-world-cup-winners-a4319606.html

Match Recap: Fulham 2-1 Leeds United

Fulham ended United's 11 game winning streak at Craven Cottage, with a second half winner from Josh Onomah.

It was a scrappy affair at Craven Cottage, as Fulham came out on top to reduce the gap between Leeds and the chasing pack to nine points.

The first chance went Leeds' way, with Hernandez opening the Fulham midfield which ultimately led to the end of his game due to injury. The move ended with Costa firing a volley straight at the keeper.

Fulham were given a penalty soon after, with Ben White nudging his man with two hands, giving the referee a decision to make, and he pointed to the spot. Mitrovic converted, despite a decent hand from Casilla, hitting the post and squeezing across the line.

Leeds were up against it for a spell soon after, with the Fulham high-press making it difficult to play-out from the back. Dallas had a chance on 25 minutes, Alioski putting him through on the left channel, his low effort just diverted by the trailing leg of the goalkeeper.

Klich hit the post just minutes later, unmarked in the box and his shot from a tight-angle came off the upright, somehow keeping the score at 1-0.

Leeds brought Nketiah on for Helder Costa, switching to a 4-4-2 formation, and he made an instant impact. Alioski plays Nketiah through n the right with a brilliant pass, he shot across goal is parried straight into the path of Bamford, who couldn't miss.

It was end-to-end stuff from here, Casilla was forced into a great save before Fulham managed to take the lead again. A corner kick couldn't be cleared properly, and Onomah smashed the ball into the net.

Leeds had a couple chances to equalise again, Klich latched onto Harrison's cross toward the penalty spot. Klich's strike was cleared away from the target as it was heading for the near-corner.

Then late corner-kick came in, with Liam Cooper heading back across goal, but Mitrovic just managed to head the ball over his own bar.

A frustrating week for the Whites, who will now look to put another great run of results and performances together again. Until then, Merry Christmas from us all at TIAT.



https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2019/12/21/21032952/match-recap-fulham-2-1-leeds-united

Result: Fulham end Leeds' unbeaten run with victory at Craven Cottage

Josh Onomah's first goal since Christmas 2017 rekindled Fulham's automatic promotion hopes with a crucial 2-1 win over Leeds at Craven Cottage.

The midfielder's clinical finish in the 69th minute moved Scott Parker's side to within nine points of their opponents and halted Leeds' 11-game unbeaten run.

Fulham climbed to third thanks to the win, courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's seventh-minute penalty and Onomah's second-half strike, either side of Partick Bamford's 10th goal of the season.

Leeds are second, three points behind leaders West Brom who drew at Brentford.

The first goal was always going to be vital and after Helder Costa had sent a first-minute volley into the arms of Marek Rodak, it went to the home side.

There seemed little danger as a cross came into the Leeds area, but Ben White needlessly pushed Bobby Decordova-Reid in the back. The striker fell and Fulham were awarded a penalty.

Leeds keeper Kiko Casilla guessed the right way and even managed to palm away Mitrovic's spot-kick, but unfortunately for the Leeds keeper, the ball struck the inside of the post before rebounding over the line.

For the remainder of the first half it was Rodak who was the busier keeper, racing off his line to block a Stuart Dallas shot after 23 minutes before plunging to his right to push a Mateusz Klich shot to safety via the post.

A tetchy affair then saw four yellow cards issued in the final 25 minutes of the first half as both sides demonstrated the importance of the result for their respective seasons.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa clearly felt it, too, bringing on Eddie Nketiah for Costa at half-time. Within 10 minutes, the substitute had played a crucial role in Leeds' equaliser, turning on a smart pass from Ezgjan Alioski, a third-minute replacement for the injured Pablo Hernandez.

Nketiah's shot ought to have been held by Rodak but was pushed instead into the path of Bamford, who tapped the ball into an empty net.

It seemed that Leeds would take advantage of the momentum they had built up to secure victory, but when the game's third goal arrived, it was at the other end.

After Ivan Cavaleiro had forced a flying save from Casilla with a 20-yard rising shot, Mitrovic caused problems at a Fulham corner, attempting a bicycle kick that was blocked.

The ball rolled out to Onomah, who directed a fierce shot into the corner of the Leeds net.

Leeds pressed for a second equaliser, particularly in a frantic final five minutes.

A 90th-minute Klich shot was headed away by Alfie Mawson before Alioski struck a shot over the bar in injury time. Then Mitrovic somehow cleared the ball over his own bar after Liam Cooper had headed across goal following a desperate final corner.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/leeds-united/championship-promotion-race/result/result-fulham-end-leeds-unbeaten-run-with-victory-at-craven-cottage_383673.html

Fulham climb to third as Josh Onomah ends Leeds' unbeaten run

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/15320d45af0b5892531272963115633a5c806fae/0_301_4343_2606/master/4343.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=02bc53eadd93e7ba0be8c8cc18f12035)
Josh Onomah reacts after ending his two-year scoring drought. Photograph: Jed Leicester/BPI/Shutterstock

Josh Onomah's first goal since Christmas 2017 rekindled Fulham's automatic promotion hopes with a crucial home win over Leeds. The midfielder's clinical finish in the 69th minute moved them to within nine points of their opponents and halted Leeds's 11-game unbeaten run.

Fulham climbed to third thanks to the win, courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's seventh-minute penalty and Onomah's second-half strike, either side of Patrick Bamford's 10th goal of the season.

"The most overriding feeling I have at this moment in time is pride," said the Fulham manager, Scott Parker, who saw his side end a three-game losing run. "Today I saw a team that was on the front foot, aggressive and determined to make a statement. A team that showed passion and desire. That's what made me happiest."

The first goal in this game was always going to be vital and after Hélder Costa had sent a first-minute volley into the arms of Marek Rodak, it went to the home side. Ben White needlessly pushed Bobby Decordova‑Reid in the back, the striker fell and Fulham were awarded a penalty. Kiko Casilla got a hand to Mitrovic's spot-kick but unfortunately for the keeper the ball struck the inside of the post before rebounding over the line.

For the remainder of the first half it was Rodak who was the busier goalkeeper, racing off his line to block a Stuart Dallas shot after 23 minutes before plunging to push Mateusz Klich's shot to safety via the post.

Marcelo Bielsa brought on Eddie Nketiah for Costa at half-time. Within 10 minutes, the substitute had played a crucial role in Leeds's equaliser, turning on a smart pass from Ezgjan Alioski, a third-minute replacement for the injured Pablo Hernández. Nketiah's shot ought to have been held by Rodak but he pushed it into the path of Bamford, who tapped in.

It seemed that Leeds would take advantage and secure victory, but when the game's third goal arrived, it was at the other end. Mitrovic caused problems at a Fulham corner, attempting a bicycle kick that was blocked. The ball rolled out to Onomah, who directed a fierce shot into the corner of the net.

Leeds pressed for a second equaliser in a frantic finale, Mitrovic somehow clearing the ball off the line after Liam Cooper had headed across the goal following a final corner.

Bielsa praised the quality of both sides. "We played against one of the most powerful opponents in the league," he said. "They play well on the counterattack, but today they didn't damage us or create chances. They scored from a corner and from a penalty. They had just one more chance. We had seven or eight chances to win the match."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/dec/21/fulham-leeds-championship-match-report

Scott Parker prepared Fulham to cope with Leeds United's 'scripted' movements ahead of Craven Cottage win
Scott Parker said he prepared his Fulham team to deal with Leeds United's 'scripted' movements in the week leading up to today's Cottagers win.

Parker's men ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 win, thanks to a disputed early penalty converted by Aleksandar Mitrovic and a fierce second half Ivan Cavaleiro strike.

The Fulham boss, who said he had not seen the penalty decision, insisted the points gap between the two sides did not enter his thinking as he prepared for the Craven Cottage clash.

"We didn't go into the game with any thought of the points gap or making it closer to Leeds," he said.

Parker's men ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 win, thanks to a disputed early penalty converted by Aleksandar Mitrovic and a fierce second half Ivan Cavaleiro strike.

The Fulham boss, who said he had not seen the penalty decision, insisted the points gap between the two sides did not enter his thinking as he prepared for the Craven Cottage clash.

"We didn't go into the game with any thought of the points gap or making it closer to Leeds," he said.



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/scott-parker-prepared-fulham-cope-leeds-uniteds-scripted-movements-ahead-craven-cottage-win-1347484

"Collapse begins", "Happening again": Some Leeds fans react to 2-1 loss to Fulham + Match report

Leeds United report: Whites suffer frustrating 2-1 loss to Fulham

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United left Craven Cottage empty-handed as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's early penalty gave the Cottagers the lead but Patrick Bamford replied in the 54th minute. However, Josh Onomah's goal gave Fulham the win and they are now nine points off Marcelo Bielsa's men.

The game didn't start well for Leeds United, who lost Pablo Hernandez to a hamstring injury in the first couple of minutes. And five minutes later, they were a goal down.

Defender Ben White conceded a silly penalty by putting his hands on Aleksandar Mitrovic, who needed no invitation to go to ground and the referee pointed to the spot. Mitrovic stepped up to take the penalty and smashed it beyond Kiko Casilla.

Marcelo Bielsa's side struggled to threaten the hosts and although they settled down after going a goal down, the Whites lacked a cutting edge the entire half. Bielsa went for it in the second half, sending Eddie Nketiah on and keeping Patrick Bamford on the pitch too.

And that paid rich dividends, with Bamford equalising after a parried shot from Nketiah in the 54th minute. Fulham's response was impressively swift, but only a brilliant save by Casilla denied it, as he tipped a 25-yard pile driver by Ivan Cavaleiro away.

Fulham showed good patience though, and they claimed their reward. From just inside the penalty area, Onomah thumped a right-footed shot which flew past Casilla, after White only partially cleared a Mitrovic attempt on goal.



https://soccersouls.com/leeds-united-report-whites-suffer-frustrating-2-1-loss-to-fulham/

'Always happy to be proved wrong' – Loads of Fulham fans react to impressive victory over Leeds

Fulham ensured their three-game losing streak came to an end on Saturday afternoon as they sealed an impressive 2-1 win over Championship promotion contenders Leeds United.

Scott Parker's side raced into an early lead courtesy of Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty before being pegged back by Patrick Bamford's equaliser, but the West London outfit then re-took the lead when Josh Onomah fired home the winner.

Prior to this afternoon's clash, it had looked as though Fulham were at risk of sliding down the Championship table given their run of results, but this success certainly eased these concerns heading into a busy period of matches over Christmas.

The Cottagers are now up to third in the Championship table as they closed the gap on Leeds in second placed, but the London side are still nine points behind Bielsa's side at the midway point in the second-tier season.

Plenty of Fulham fans responded to the result with much positivity given the league position of their opponents, while others praised Parker given the criticism he has received from some quarters in recent weeks.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/always-happy-to-be-proved-wrong-loads-of-fulham-fans-react-to-impressive-victory-over-leeds/

Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham vs. Leeds United

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, Emilio Di Nello shared his thoughts on Fulham's 2 -1 victory against Leeds United. We recorded this shortly after the match ended, and Emilio had just left Craven Cottage, so you will hear his initial reaction. Emilio also shared what he thought was the turning point of the match, and also who was Man Of The Match!


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2019/12/21/21033027/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-vs-leeds-united

Fulham 2 Leeds United 1 - Graham Smyth's player ratings: A mixed bag as Whites fall to Craven Cottage defeat
Leeds United fell to a 2-1 defeat at Fulham in the Championship on Saturday afternoon - but how did we rate the players?

(https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sttms.blob.core.windows.net/images/QVNIMTEyNzc5OTc4.jpg?crop=982:524,smart&width=990)
Leeds United fell to a 2-1 defeat at Fulham in the Championship.

Scott Parker's men got the better of Marcelo Bielsa's outfit at Craven Cottage as United fell to their first defeat in the league since October. A second half Josh Onomah striker sealed the Whites fate in the capital - here's how we rated the players.

1. Kiko Casilla

7 - One brilliant save in the second half, got a hand to the penalty and could do nothing with the second goal.

2. Luke Ayling

6 - Struggled to cope with the lightning quick Cavaleiro at times.

3. Liam Cooper

8 - Solid, made some very important blocks and tackles.

4. Stuart Dallas

6 - Quality wasn't quite there in his play, offensively.

5. Ben White

7 - Probably the least comfortable he's looked all season defensively but still battled well with Mitrovic.

6. Kalvin Phillips

6 - Not able to boss the game or dictate for Leeds. Put in some decent deliveries. When Fulham bypassed him Leeds looked vulnerable.

7. Pablo Hernandez

NA - Injured in the first minute. Leeds missed his craft.

8. Mateusz Klich

6 - could've had more impact if he'd take his chances, his runs weren't always spotted.

9. Jack Harrison

6 - Not in the game as often as he has been in recent outings, still put in some decent deliveries, cut backs that should have resulted in more.

10. Helder Costa

5 - One decent chance in the first minute. Unable to find the space to hurt Fulham after that. Withdrawn at the break.

11. Patrick Bamford

6 - Hard work but not enough physicality when the ball needed to stick for Leeds.

12. Gjanni Alioski (sub)

6 - Plenty of effort, one lovely through ball. Otherwise failed to hit the levels of quality he has in recent games.

13. Eddie Nketiah (sub)

6 - His shot led to the Leeds goal, showed glimpses of his pace but most of his involvement was too far from where he wanted and needed to be.

14. Jordan Stevens (sub)

6 - Unable to really get into it on the right flank late on.

15. Referee

Tim Robinson 4 Couldn't get a grip on the niggle in the game, allowed time to be frittered away and that led to more niggle. Awarded a soft penalty, at best.



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/fulham-2-leeds-united-1-graham-smyths-player-ratings-mixed-bag-whites-fall-craven-cottage-defeat-1347509

Proud Parker praises Fulham after statement against Leeds

Fulham manager Scott Parker insisted that his side's 2-1 victory over Leeds at Craven Cottage was far more important in re-establishing the morale of his side than in closing the gap on their opponents.

Fulham are now in third place in the Championship, nine points behind Leeds, yet Parker believes their victory will resonate far beyond the league table.

Parker said: "The most overriding feeling I have at this moment in time is pride. I spoke to the players before the game and said: 'You're not getting judged today on technique or what a good football player you are. There are 20,000 coming here today and people are judging you, and me, on what you are like as a man. Can you stand up when the chips are down because the chips at this moment are down?'

"Your eyes often don't lie in football. That's what people told me. Today I saw a team that was on the front foot, aggressive and determined to make a statement. A team that showed passion and desire.

"One man's strength is never greater than a team of players. The team represented me and it represented what this football club is about. That's what made me the happiest.

"Coming off three straight losses, like we were, the most important thing was putting in a performance.

"At times last week we didn't stick to our plan at Brentford, but to a man today this team executed the game plan and ultimately caused Leeds problems."

Parker praised Josh Onomah whose first goal for the club proved the difference between the two sides.

He added: "Josh has been fantastic and I am so, so pleased for him. I coached Josh when he was a 15-year-old boy at Spurs and I know what ability he's got. I know everything about him.

"He came in here and he struggled a little bit. He would admit that. Everyone seeing him over the first few weeks was sceptical and would have had a lot of doubts, but he represented everything that I spoke about today – what character does and what passion does.

"He deserved his moment. And he deserved that moment to stay 2-1, not go 3-1 or 4-1. I wanted it to stay 2-1 and for Josh to take the winning goal because he showed massive grit."

In spite of his side's defeat which followed on from last week's draw against Cardiff, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was far from downhearted.

He said: "We play against one of the most powerful opponents in the league. We defended well. I didn't see Fulham unbalance us today. We spoke about (Aleksandar) Mitrovic and (Ivan) Cavaleiro and how Fulham play makes them the best team in the league.

"If you analyse the statistics, it is clear that Fulham is the best team in the Championship. They play well on the counter-attack, but today they didn't damage us or create chances.

"They scored from a corner and from a penalty. They had just one more chance. We had seven or eight chances to win the match. We defend very well because we played against great attackers.

"The only thing that's a shame after the match about our team is that after we scored we conceded possession in our half more, so it was more what we allowed them to do than what they did for themselves.

"That was important because this was the moment to win the match. But if you analyse the full match, it's a little detail."

Bielsa is content to see his team in second place in the Championship midway through the season, but the Argentinian maintains his side could be in an even better position.

Bielsa added: "Our level of play has been good. I don't think we have played a match where the opponent has beaten us or has been better than us, but you look at a game like today and we could have had five more points or at least three more points.

"It's necessary to ask ourselves what would happen if hadn't missed out on some points that we deserve to win.

"It is important that teams get what they deserve, but when teams don't get what they deserve, there are some things you need to improve."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/leeds-united/news/proud-parker-praises-fulham-after-statement-against-leeds_383694.html

Fulham 2-1 Leeds: Visitors miss out on Christmas number one as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Josh Onomah fire Scott Parker's side up to third

    Mitrovic netted his 17th league goal of the season to put Fulham ahead
    Leeds levelled after the break through Patrick Bamford's tap-in on the rebound
    Josh Onomah smashed in the winner - his first goal of the season - from a corner

Outside of Craven Cottage were a merry little band playing Christmas songs. For the first time in a while, Scott Parker got a tune out of his Fulham squad, too.

It is never easy for a manager when his position is being questioned, even worse when an experienced out-of-work boss is sitting in the stands.

David Moyes was at the Cottage, watching intently and appearing to make markings on a team sheet. Perhaps he had heard of a vacancy opening up soon.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/21/18/22534864-0-image-a-1_1576954291390.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic netted 17th league goal of the season from the spot to put Fulham ahead

Or perhaps he was scouting for his next job, possibly with West Ham should they relieve Manuel Pellegrini of his duties. Whatever the reason, it was intriguing.

Parker responded to three consecutive losses by picking up three valuable points, with talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic and young gun Josh Onomah scoring the goals that did the job.

Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, left knowing his side missed out on moving top for Christmas.

It is not all doom and gloom for Bielsa, of course. Leeds United remain nine points inside the top two, though he will remember their Christmas collapse last season all too well.

After letting a 3-0 lead slip to draw 3-3 against Cardiff last week, this was Leeds' first defeat since October, and one they never saw coming.

Within 10 seconds of kick-off, the Leeds supporters were singing Pablo Hernandez's name on repeat. Within 40, he was down on the ground, having pulled up with a hamstring problem.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/21/18/22534880-0-image-m-3_1576954348119.jpg)
Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah smashed in the winner after the ball fell for him from a corner

On came Ezgjan Alioksi as a replacement. Leeds' start to the game got even worse in the fifth minute, when referee Tim Robinson pointed to the penalty spot.

Mitrovic had volleyed a cross into the mixer for Bobby Decordova-Reid but Ben White was seen with two hands on his opponent's back, giving a slight shove.

It was soft and Leeds players protested while Mitrovic readied himself to take it.

Goalkeeper Kiko Casilla got a hand to the Serbian's subsequent shot but it went in off the post. Fulham had a surprise 1-0 lead, with a little help from the referee.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/21/18/22534894-0-image-a-4_1576954456208.jpg)
Leeds levelled after the break through Patrick Bamford's tap-in on the rebound

There was good hostility to the game; a bit of needle between both sets of players. Challenges flew in, and Mitrovic became king of the 50-50s.

Luke Ayling, already playing pantomime villain among the Fulham fans after early antics, then pushed Tom Cairney to the ground off the pitch and received a talking-to.

Leeds were unbeaten in their last 11 league games and equalised in the 54th minute, when half-time substitute Eddie Nketiah fired off a shot at Marek Rodak.

Fulham's goalkeeper could only parry the ball into the path of Patrick Bamford, who tapped in. It was game on with Nketiah, the 20-year-old on loan from Arsenal, looking particularly lively.

Yet Leeds found themselves trailing again in the 68th minute, when Mitrovic attempted an acrobatic overhead kick from a cross. He missed the ball, but Onomah didn't.

The 22-year-old put his foot through a shot, and Casilla had no chance.

Onomah had his first goal for Fulham since signing from Tottenham as part of the deal that saw Ryan Sessegnon go the other way.

There was no way back for Leeds. They remain second, nine points clear of third, but this knocked some of the stuffing out of their Christmas cheer regardless.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7817309/Fulham-2-1-Leeds-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-Josh-Onomah-fire-Scott-Parkers-third.html

Leeds United's Stuart Dallas joins Andrea Radrizzani and Liam Cooper in mystified agreement over controversial Fulham penalty
LEEDS UNITED full-back Stuart Dallas admitted he was struggling to understand why Fulham were awarded a seventh-minute penalty en route to their 2-1 victory against the Whites in Saturday's Championship clash at Craven Cottage.

(https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sttms.blob.core.windows.net/images/QVNIMTEyNzgwMDg1.jpg?crop=982:524,smart&width=990)
NEVER A PENALTY: But Aleksandar Mitrovic takes his chance to put Fulham ahead against Leeds United from the spot. Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images.

Referee Tim Robinson penalised centre-back Ben White after the defender made the slightest contact with his hands on Bobby Reid who went to ground after White's touch of his back.

Aleksandar Mitrovic converted the spot kick and whilst United equalised through Patrick Bamford nine minutes after the break, the penalty ultimately set the Cottagers up for all three points with Josh Onomah slamming home the winner from a 69th-minute corner.

Whites captain Liam Cooper and chairman Andrea Radrizzani both took to social media to vent their frustration over Robinson's decision with Cooper describing the incident as "never a penalty."

Radrizzani also highlighted video footage of White's challenge with two emojis of clapping hands above a sarcastic comment that the spot kick was a "stonewaller".

Dallas failed to outright blame the decision and match official for United's defeat and highlighted the difficult job facing referees but the Northern Ireland international could not hide just how mystified he was with Robinson pointing to the spot.

"It's not a penalty but I can't stand here and take the easy option and blame the referee," said Dallas.

"He has a hard job, we all know that but I think he will be disappointed with the decision that he has made."

Assessing the feeling leaving Fulham after a first defeat in 12 games, Dallas reasoned: "It's a feeling of disappointment I think.

"We've come here to win the game, we have got off to a bad start with the injury to Pablo (Hernandez) and we have had to adjust ourselves.

"And then I don't know what the referee is seeing really.

"It's easy to come out here and blame somebody else, that's probably the easy thing to do so I'm not going to do it but I don't know what he's seeing.

"In the rest of the first half we have done well, we have come back into the game and we have had a few chances.

"Klichy has hit the post, I had one, Pat (Bamford) had a couple of chances and it was a pretty even first half.

"In the second half we really went at them and we have got a goal and then I think it turned into a bit of a basketball game.

"It was very open and we have conceded from a set piece which is disappointing because we work really hard on that and at the end we just needed a bit of luck and it wasn't to be."



https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/leeds-uniteds-stuart-dallas-joins-andrea-radrizzani-and-liam-cooper-mystified-agreement-over-controversial-fulham-penalty-1347523

Fulham beat promotion rivals Leeds in feisty affair

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2019/12/21/TELEMMGLPICT000219691575_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq4keCX5q5n_QpOZVEzhKLRZhUm_qnXL8OceS_Vjhi1zo.jpeg?imwidth=1400)
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates after making a clearance to deny Leeds United's Edward Nketiah Credit: Getty Images

    Fulham  2   Leeds United  1

Given the tenuous grip that Fulham maintain on their automatic promotion hopes even after this critical and at times tempestuous victory over Leeds, manager Scott Parker believes the manner of his side's win will serve them more than the points.

Josh Onomah's 69th-minute winner hauled the home side back to within nine points of their opponents, but for Parker it was all about making believers of the Craven Cottage faithful again.

Parker said: "The most overriding feeling I have at this moment in time is pride. I spoke to the players before the game and said: 'You're not getting judged today on technique or what a good football player you are. There are 20,000 coming here today and people are judging you, and me, on what you are like as a man. Can you stand up when the chips are down because the chips at this moment are down?'

"Your eyes often don't lie in football. That's what people told me. Today I saw a team that was on the front foot, aggressive and determined to make a statement. A team that showed passion and desire."

Even before some supporters on three sides of Craven Cottage had settled into their seats, Leeds had both missed an attempt to take the lead through Helder Costa and lost a player to injury in Pablo Hernandez.

At least the Spaniard will have Christmas Day off now, assuming that Leeds' training ground treatment room isn't open for business.

If that change disturbed the visitors' equilibrium, they were completely knocked out of their stride three minutes later when Ben White pushed Bobby Decordova-Reid to the ground in the penalty area.

Referee Tim Robinson awarded the spot-kick which Aleksandar Mitrovic converted in spite of Kiko Casilla's strong hand which diverted the ball against the post before it bounced over the line.

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2019/12/21/TELEMMGLPICT000219662810_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqulmngyk1nEPNRM5Qu5tZftmODXfBJNT2A-I3349gei4.jpeg?imwidth=1240)
Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham scores the opening goal from the penalty spot Credit: Getty Images

Leeds responded and twice within the space of 90 seconds, Fulham were indebted to keeper Marek Rodak for the smart reactions which maintained his side's lead.

First, he sprinted off his line to block a Stuart Dallas shot after the midfielder had been slipped in intelligently by Ezgjan Alioski. Then, he dived smartly to his right to turn a low Mateusz Klich against the right-hand post.

The middle 10 minutes of the first half were also notable for a series of challenges that could kindly be described as robust as both sides fought for control of the midfield.

Marcelo Bielsa didn't wait for the second half to unfold to make a positive substitution, taking off Costa at half-time and replacing him with Eddie Nketiah.

The change brought its rewards within 10 minutes of the second period. Another defence-splitting pass from Alioski set Nketiah free to send in a cross-shot which Rodak should have held, but didn't. The ball rolled out for Bamford to stroke it gleefully home.

Fulham almost regained the lead on the hour when an Ivan Cavaleiro shot was arrowing towards the top corner before being flicked away brilliantly by the hand of Casilla.

They did so after 69 minutes when Mitrovic tried to volley home a bicycle kick. That effort was blocked but the ball rolled out to Josh Onomah who laced a right-foot shot into the corner of the Leeds net.

(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2019/12/21/TELEMMGLPICT000219673599_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq_MBhvjUqhIfRd2_dxg_gJ7Eu4odvKfIxFVccPQZWyAc.jpeg?imwidth=1240)
Josh Onomah scored the winner for the home side Credit: Getty Images

Leeds mounted a predictable last assault on the home goal, but in spite of shots from Klich and Alioski and a Liam Cooper header, they could not force home a second equaliser.

Bielsa was phlegmatic rather than upset afterwards.

He said: "The statistics say that Fulham are the best team in the Championship, but they scored from a corner and a penalty. They had just one more chance.

"We had seven or eight chances to win the match. The only shame is that after we scored we conceded possession in our half from which they scored, so it was more what we allowed them to do than what they did for themselves."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/12/21/fulham-beat-promotion-rivals-leeds-feisty-affair/

Will Today's Result Against Leeds Determine Parker's Future As Fulham Manager

Many fans have not been happy with the style of play Scott Parker has demanded from his Fulham team so far this season.

The club were among the bookies favourites for automatic promotion at the start of this campaign
after acquiring what seemed like a devastating attacking force.

Today we arrive at the last match of the first half of this season. My pre-season favourites for automatic promotion, WBA and Leeds are currently opening up a gap at the top. I saw WBA being a major force with lots of Premier League experience, managed by a tough coach who has been there and wears the shirt, Slaven Bilic.

Leeds have been there or there about over recent years and also seem to have acquired a top boss in Marcelo Bielsa. On paper, as the bookies called it, Fulham had such a strong forward line, that any defensive frailties would be more than compensated for by the amount of goals they would score.

Unfortunately, our goal tally at 33, an average for a top half team this season, has been let down by a leaky defence where 24 have been conceded. This gives us goal difference of just 9+. Looking at table toppers WBA and Leeds, who both have a plus of 22.

A defeat this afternoon would put Leeds 15 points ahead of us. Although I still stick with the top two holding these positions at the end of the season, there will no doubt be some wobbly times ahead for them, specially Leeds during the remaining half of this campaign.

Leeds have been there or there about over recent years and also seem to have acquired a top boss in Marcelo Bielsa. On paper, as the bookies called it, Fulham had such a strong forward line, that any defensive frailties would be more than compensated for by the amount of goals they would score.

Unfortunately, our goal tally at 33, an average for a top half team this season, has been let down by a leaky defence where 24 have been conceded. This gives us goal difference of just 9+. Looking at table toppers WBA and Leeds, who both have a plus of 22.

A defeat this afternoon would put Leeds 15 points ahead of us. Although I still stick with the top two holding these positions at the end of the season, there will no doubt be some wobbly times ahead for them, specially Leeds during the remaining half of this campaign.



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/will-todays-result-against-leeds-determine-parkers-future-as-fulham-manager/

Chukwueze and Zambo Anguissa star as Villarreal see off Getafe

The Nigeria and Cameroon internationals helped the Yellow Submarine bag a crucial home win in Saturday's league outing

Samuel Chukwueze and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa were impressive as Villarreal pipped Getafe to a 1-0 win in Saturday's La Liga encounter.

Although he did not manage any shot on target, Chuwkueze completed the most dribbles (five) for Javier Calleja's side while Zambo Anguissa won the most aerial balls (eight) for Villarreal and also made the most touches (79) at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Moi Gomez's 52nd-minute effort separated both teams as Villarreal secured their third straight win in all competitions and second in the Spanish top-flight.

Chukwueze was in action for 80 minutes before Cameroon's Karl Toko Ekambi replaced him while Zambo Anguissa was on from start to finish.

Villarreal moved to ninth in the league standings after gathering 25 points after 18 matches. Their next La Liga fixture is a trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday.



https://www.goal.com/en/news/chukwueze-and-zambo-anguissa-star-as-villarreal-see-off/14bqrcx0d0n3gzvbw10ajkjg7

Parker's revelation on "scripted" Leeds movement should be a concern for Bielsa

Leeds fell to their first defeat in 12 games on Saturday afternoon and Fulham boss Scott Parker revealed exactly how he was able to orchestrate an important win for his side.

What did he say?

The Whites have consistently shown great form in the Championship this term but the last two results show they are far from the finished article, and there are key things to work on in order to guarantee promotion.

Robert Glatzel caused them problems with his physicality last week and Aleksandar Mitrovic was able to produce similar success with his style, though Marcelo Bielsa's team also struggled on the ball at Craven Cottage.

Leeds dominated with 65% possession but good chances were at a premium for the visitors despite their seven shots on target.

Parker explained exactly why that was in his post-match press conference, and his words should be treated as a warning to Bielsa. As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Fulham boss said:

    "Leeds are the most athletic, powerful team that we see but the most structured and patterned team as well," he said.

    "The movements they make are very scripted, we studied Leeds for many games. All week we drilled their movements, to understand what was coming, to know the movements when the ball went in certain places."

Mixing things up

It is a little difficult to criticise the Argentine when Leeds often play very slick football which allows them to dominate and produce chances, but the lack of variety should be a concern.

The Yorkshire side rely on cutting defences open with intricate passes, and when that doesn't produce goals they can often be left frustrated.

No player in the squad has averaged more than two successful dribbles per match this term, and that underlines the team's inability to use their physical attributes to take on defenders and open up space.

As a result, opponent's can often sit deep and defend in front of the ball, with the knowledge that enough bodies in defence can limit space for Leeds and prevent them from scoring.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/leeds/leeds-marcelo-bielsa-must-react-to-scott-parkers-worrying-comments-the-whites-scott-parker-quotes-comments

'The ref killed the game' Leeds United fans point the finger after Fulham defeat

Leeds United fell to a 2-1 defeat to promotion rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday

Leeds United fans have all made the same point after their 2-1 defeat to Fulham, which handed Marcelo Bielsa's side a blow in their push for promotion.

The Whites endured a nightmare start at Craven Cottage, with Pablo Hernandez injuring his hamstring in the first minute and needing to be replaced before Aleksandar Mitrovic put Fulham 1-0 up on seven minutes when he fired home from the penalty shot after Ben White was harshly adjudged to have fouled Bobby Reid in the box.

A testy first half followed with no fewer than five yellow cards dished out, including Helder Costa just before the break, before Bielsa replaced him with Eddie Nketiah for the second half.

And it didn't take long for the Arsenal loanee to make an impact as his 54th minute shot was parried straight into the path of Patrick Bamford by Marek Rodak, with the Leeds number nine slotting home to level the match.

But the hosts were ahead again 15 minutes later when Josh Onomah smashed home what would be the winning goal to snap a 12-match unbeaten streak. 

After the match, many fans took to social media to share their thoughts and plenty had the same complaint, stating that referee Tim Robinson had a negative impact on the game.



https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leeds-united-fulham-fan-reaction-17458228

Kalvin Phillips: It's difficult to take

Midfielder on Fulham defeat.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips spoke to LUTV following Saturday's defeat at Fulham.

Scott Parker's side ended Leeds' 11 game unbeaten run in the Sky Bet Championship with a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

Fulham's opening goal of the match came from a dubious penalty decision and Phillips was frustrated with that and not being able to take anything out of the match.

"It's difficult to take," said Phillips.

"Obviously for their first goal there is a lot of controversy surrounding it, but we can't say too much about that.

"It's sloppy for us to concede the second, but overall I think we did well.

"We deserved a point at least in the game and possibly three points with the way we attacked.

"We won't take this defeat to heart too much.

"We did all that we could to try and get at least a point.

"We're looking forward to the next game now and hopefully we can start another good run."



https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/25985/kalvin-phillips-it-s-difficult-to-take

Onomah ends Leeds' unbeaten run

If Scott Parker could have fashioned a response to Fulham's limp capitulation in last week's local derby at Brentford himself, this would have been it. The home side were feisty from the outset, eager to mount a physical challenge to high-flying Leeds United and prove that the Championship's automatic promotion positions were not a foregone conclusion before Christmas.

It was fitting that Josh Onomah crowned his most complete performance since moving the other way in the deal that took Ryan Sessegnon to Tottenham this summer with the winner. Plenty of brickbats have headed the young midfielder's way after his indifferent start to life in south west London, but the desire with which he strode onto a loose ball after Aleksandar Mitrovic's ambitious overhead kick at a corner had been blocked and lashed a venomous volley beyond Kiko Casilla spoke volumes, as did the fact that all of his team-mates rushed as one to join the joyous celebrations.

No team has come to Craven Cottage this season and dominated possession in quite the manner that Marcelo Bielsea's side managed this afternoon, but the fact that Leeds travelled back to south Yorkshire without even a point to show for their efforts demonstrated both how Parker is growing as a tactician and how well-organised Fulham were at the back to restrict one of the division's most progressive sides to a handful of clear cut chances.

Leeds had the first sight of goal when Helder Costa might have done better than drill a shot straight at Marek Rodak after being found by a fine Jack Harrison cross, but they were behind inside five minutes. A sweeping move saw Onomah lift a ball towards Mitrovic at the back post and the Serbian striker's attempt to find the recalled Bobby Decordova-Reid in the centre resulted in the on-loan forward falling to the turf under the challenge of Ben White. Referee Tim Robinson's penalty award appeared more than soft and Casilla got a hand to Mitrovic's spot-kick, only to see the ball cannon in off the post.

A lead inside the first seven minutes was just the sort of start Parker would have scripted and Fulham's high press initially unsettled a jittery Leeds. Bielsa's side gradually got themselves going and could have been level midway through the first half. Former Brentford midfielder Stuart Dallas drew a fine reaction save from Rodak, who sprinted off his line and blocked with his legs, after being played in by Ezgjan Alioski, who was an early replacement for the injured Pablo Hernandez.

There was another let off moments later when Harrison deliciously cut a ball back from the byline, but Mateusz Klich's low drive from close range was brilliantly turned onto the base of the post by Rodak. Leeds were restricted to mostly speculative efforts for the remainder of the half – with Dallas drilling wide from just outside the box after fine hold-up play from Patrick Bamford, who also headed over from Kalvin Phillips' free-kick.

The spiky nature of the contest was encapsulated by a fracas caused by Luke Ayling's inexplicable decision to bundle over Tom Cairney in the technical area as he sought to take a quick throw in. The Fulham captain wasn't impeding the recycling of the ball, but the lapse in concentration was perhaps an indication that things weren't going Leeds' way. Bielsa was far from happy and switched to a 4-4-2 at the break, introducing Eddie Nketiah to partner Bamford.

Fulham began the second period on the front foot, with Mitrovic having a goal chalked off for offside, but there were pegged back inside five minutes by clever combination play between Nketiah and Bamford. The hosts struggled to reorganise once a promising break came to naught after Ivan Cavaleiro ran into traffic on the edge of the Leeds box and Aiolski played in Nketiah down the right. Rodak might have done better than just parry the Arsenal loanee's shot into the path of Bamford, who was never going to miss.

Rodak made amends with a smart save to preserve parity after Harrison's deflected cross fell kindly for Alioski, but the substitute couldn't beat the Fulham goalkeeper with his head. At the other end, Casilla produced an outstanding save to turn Cavaleiro's rasping drive over the bar at full stretch when it seemed destined for the top corner. That sparked a period of prolonged home pressure, which eventually culminated in the winner.

It came from a corner which Leeds couldn't clear and, after Mitrovic had tried an acrobatic bicycle kick, Onomah lashed home his first goal since Christmas 2017 – and you could feel plenty of fury in his finish. Leeds came again with Mawson bravely blocking a Klich shot at source and, during five frantic added minutes, they laid siege to the home goal. Alioski curled narrowly over the bar after being teed up by Phillips, before Mitrovic somehow managed to clear Liam Cooper's header off his own line as Fulham clung on to end a damaging run of three straight defeats.

The endeavour and passion on display to topple the league's second-placed side was in stark contrast to the tepid effort at Griffin Park a week earlier – but it showed that Fulham still can mix it with the league's best. They rode their luck at times, but this was a precious victory for Parker, who will want to follow it up with further wins over the likes of Luton, Stoke and Reading during Fulham's festive programme.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Bryan, Mawson, Ream; Reed (Johansen 90), Onomah, Cairney; Decordova-Reid (S. Sessegnon 90), Cavaleiro (Knockaert 90), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, O'Riley, Kebano, Kamara.

BOOKED: Reed, Bryan, Mitrovic.

GOALS: Mitrovic (pen 7), Onomah (69).

LEEDS UNITED (4-1-4-1): Casilla; Ayling (Stevens 72), Dallas, White, Cooper; Phillips; Costa (Nketiah 45), Harrison, Hernandez (Alioski 3), Klich; Bamford. Subs (not used): Meslier, Berardi, Gotts, Casey.

BOOKED: Klich, Cooper, Costa, Alioski.

GOAL: Bamford (54).

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 18,878



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/12/onomah-ends-leeds-unbeaten-run/

Proud Parker praises Fulham's desire

Scott Parker praised his side's commitment and desire after Fulham fired a warning to the rest of the Championship by ending Leeds' eleven game unbeaten run at Craven Cottage.

The Whites brought their end dismal three-match losing streak to an end with a 2-1 win over second-placed Leeds, thanks to a first half penalty from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Josh Onomah's first goal for the club. They had to weather a late Leeds rally to claim a precious victory – and Parker was delighted with the way his team had responded after their derby defeat at Brentford last week.

    "The most overriding feeling I have at this moment in time is pride. I spoke to the players before the game and said: 'You're not getting judged today on technique or what a good football player you are. There are 20,000 coming here today and people are judging you, and me, on what you are like as a man. Can you stand up when the chips are down because the chips at this moment are down?'

    Your eyes often don't lie in football. That's what people told me. Today I saw a team that was on the front foot, aggressive and determined to make a statement. A team that showed passion and desire. One man's strength is never greater than a team of players. The team represented me and it represented what this football club is about. That's what made me the happiest.

    Coming off three straight losses, like we were, the most important thing was putting in a performance. At times last week we didn't stick to our plan at Brentford, but to a man today this team executed the game plan and ultimately caused Leeds problems.

Parker was also full of praise for Onomah, who has endured a difficult start to his Fulham career. The former England under-21 international produced his most complete performance since moving to Craven Cottage in the summer – and lashed home the winner after Leeds had failed to clear a corner.

    Josh has been fantastic and I am so, so pleased for him. I coached Josh when he was a 15-year-old boy at Spurs and I know what ability he's got. I know everything about him. He came in here and he struggled a little bit. He would admit that. Everyone seeing him over the first few weeks was sceptical and would have had a lot of doubts, but he represented everything that I spoke about today – what character does and what passion does. He deserved his moment. 



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2019/12/proud-parker-praises-fulhams-desire/

Bielsa: Leeds United did not deserve to have unbeaten run ended at Fulham

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa remained defiant despite seeing the end of Leeds United's 11-match unbeaten run as they lost to promotion rivals Fulham.

The Whites recovered from losing key player Pablo Hernandez to injury and seeing a harsh penalty given against them in the first seven minutes.

They were level nine minutes into the second half through Patrick Bamford only for their Achilles heel to show up again as they let in a second goal from a corner to lose 2-1.

But Bielsa felt Leeds had been the better team and he went further by saying that he did not think any team had outplayed his team in the first half of the season.

He said: "We played against one of the more powerful opponents.

"We have defended well. They scored from a corner and from a penalty. They had just one more chance, we had seven or eight chances to win the match. We defended very well because we played against great attackers.

"The only thing that is a shame, about our team, after we scored we conceded a presence in our half that was linked more with what we allowed them to do than what they did themselves. It was a short moment. It was important because it was the moment to win the match. If you analyse the full match, it is a little detail.

"Honestly, I don't want to not give value to what the opponent did but I didn't see the opponents' attackers unbalance the game.

"If you analyse the statistics to describe the level of one team, it is clear that Fulham is the best team in the Championship. Today I think that the things they created, they couldn't score with that. They had the possibility to counter attack, something they do well and they didn't damage us or create chances with that.

"Honestly I have to say our defence was good. In attack, even if it was a tough match, we have eight, nine, 10 chances to unbalance the match."

Bielsa added: "I don't think we have played a match where the opponent played better than us. But imagine which kind of conclusion we would have today if we had five more points or three more points.

"We have missed points that we deserved to win. But important teams get what they deserve. When they don't get what they deserve, there are some things to improve."

Bielsa explained that playmaker Hernandez had to leave the field in the second minute due to a hamstring injury and was unlikely to play against Preston on Boxing Day.

While Leeds were still rearranging their team - with Ezgjan Alioski coming on as substitute - they went one down as Ben White was judged to have pushed Bobby Reid in the area and although Kiko Casilla got a hand to Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty he could not keep it out of the goal.

It looked a bad decision from referee Tom Robinson as the Fulham player was already going to ground before any contact was made and that contact was minimal anyway.

United attempted to shrug off their early double disappointment as Stuart Dallas forced home keeper Marek Rodak into his first save and Mateusz Klich hit the woodwork with a good strike.

There were more yellow cards than shots for the rest of the half, though, with frustration clear for the Whites as they were behind at the interval.

Bielsa made a half-time change with striker Eddie Nketiah brought on to replace winger Helder Costa, but it was Fulham who had the first chance of the second period with Mitrovic putting the ball into the net from a cross from a free-kick only for an offside flag to rule his effort out.

United equalised when Nketiah made his first impact after being well found by fellow sub Alioski. His angled shot was saved low down by Rodak, but the keeper only succeeded in diverting the ball straight to Bamford, who had the simple task to tap in.

Alioski came close to putting United ahead when his header was saved by Rodak. But Casilla was then forced into a fine flying save to tip Ivan Cavaleiro's shot from distance over.

Fulham did make it 2-1, however, as a corner was not dealt with and fell to Josh Onomah in the area, who curled a shot into the net.

Leeds showed plenty of fight to get back in the game, but it was not their day as Alioski hit a shot over and Liam Cooper was denied on his return to the side after injury as his header from a corner was cleared off the line by Mitrovic.

The result meant their advantage over third-placed Fulham was down to nine points.

Match facts

Fulham 2

(Mitrovic 7, pen, Onomah 69)

Leeds United 1

(Bamford 54)

Championship

Attendance: 18,878

Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Mawson, Ream, Bryan, Onomah, Reed (Johansen 88), Cavaleiro (Knockaert 90), Cairney, Reid (Sessegnon 90), Mitrovic.

Leeds: Casilla, Ayling (Stevens 72), White, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Harrison, Costa (Nketiah 45), Hernandez (Alioski 2), Bamford.

Referee: Tom Robinson



https://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/sport/football/bielsa-leeds-united-did-not-deserve-to-have-unbeaten-run-ended-at-fulham-1-10166521

Fulham's Festive Giveaway - Day 4

As Fulham's Festive Giveaway continues, we're pleased to announce today's limited time prize is a mascot place for Fulham v Aston Villa.

To get involved with the festive Fulham fun and to be in with the chance of winning, please fill in the form below.

The competition closes at 11.59pm on Monday 23rd December, and the winner will be contacted on Monday 30th December.
Only supporters aged between 5 and 12 will be eligible to win this prize. Full terms and conditions can be found online here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2019/december/22/festive-giveaway---day-4