Sunday Fulham Stuff - 14/09/25...

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Result

Saturday 13/09
Arsenal	3-0	Forest
Bournemouth	2-1	Brighton
Palace	0-0	Sunderland
Everton	0-0	Villa
Fulham	1-0	Leeds
Gudmundsson (OG)
Newcastle	1-0	Wolves
West Ham	0-3	Spurs
Brentford	2-2	Chelsea

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Fulham 1-0 Leeds United
At a glance

    Gabriel Gudmundsson sends late header past Karl Darlow to gift Fulham first league win

    Harry Wilson free-kick in the 58th minute is home side's first shot

    Sean Longstaff strikes woodwork for Leeds late in first half

A dramatic Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal in stoppage time handed Fulham a fortunate first Premier League win of the season at the expense of Leeds United.

In the fourth minute of added time at the end of a largely drab encounter, the Swedish left-back inadvertently guided an attempted headed clearance into the far corner to gift Marco Silva's side a morale-boosting three points.

The first half at Craven Cottage had been a non-event as both sides not only struggled to create meaningful opportunities, but also sent numerous passes astray in the final third.

The best, and only, chances fell to Leeds with Dominic Calvert-Lewin sending a free header straight at Bernd Leno and Sean Longstaff's rasping drive clipping the top of the crossbar.

Brenden Aaronson also forced Leno into a smart save after getting on the end of Anton Stach's delivery early in the second half, before Jayden Bogle sent a tame effort into the German keeper's arms from long range.

Fulham finally started to flex their attacking muscles midway through the second half and Karl Darlow, replacing injured Leeds first-choice keeper Lucas Perri, produced a fine stop to claw away Harry Wilson's free-kick - the home side's first attempt of the entire game.

Deadline day signing Kevin had a curling drive tipped over the crossbar by Darlow - making his first Premier League start since 2021 - as Fulham increased the pressure late on.

And from the resulting corner they got their break when Gudmundsson's error gifted them victory and took them above Leeds on five points.

Fulham analysis: Cottagers up and running... just
Fulham were seething at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago after Josh King's first-half strike against Chelsea was wrongly disallowed for a foul in the build-up by Rodrigo Muniz.

This first league win of the season - and the manner of it - will have been the perfect antidote to that 2-0 defeat by their west London neighbours.

For a long time, though, it looked like being another frustrating afternoon for Silva's men.

They failed to register a shot until the 58th minute and only really started to threaten Leeds' goal once Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore had been introduced from the bench on the hour mark.

Smith Rowe struck the foot of the post - although the goal wouldn't have counted after referee Craig Pawson spotted a foul in the build-up - while Traore's raw pace caused Gudmundsson problems down the right flank.

Brazilian forward Kevin, a club-record deadline day arrival from Shakhtar, very nearly made himself an instant hero after cutting in from the left and unleashing a sumptuous, curling drive which Darlow did brilliantly to tip over.

Unfortunately for Leeds and Gudmundsson, the Swedish full-back's late intervention proved decisive as they suffered a ninth successive top-flight away defeat in London.

Leeds analysis: Farke's worries up front continue
Leeds boss Daniel Farke changed his entire forward line in a bid to get his team firing at Craven Cottage, replacing Wilfried Gnonto, Lukas Nmecha and Daniel James with Noah Okafor, Calvert-Lewin and Aaronson.

The visitors may have created the better opportunities before the hour mark, but the bold move failed to pay off as the visitors' run without a goal from open play stretched to four league games.

Calvert-Lewin should have done better with his first-half header, although the former Everton man may have been just offside to meet Aaronson's cross, while Longstaff was unfortunate to see his thunderous drive graze the top of the bar.

Nmecha, James, Gnonto and Jack Harrison all made appearances in the second half, but by that point Fulham had already swung the tide in their favour.

It was a cruel end to a game neither side deserved to win, but Leeds will need to improve in attack at bottom club Wolves next weekend to stand any chance of returning to winning ways.

Wales winger James, though, will be a doubt after being forced off late on with an apparent injury.

What's next for these teams?
Fulham host Brentford in the Premier League next Saturday, before welcoming Cambridge United to Craven Cottage in the Carabao Cup third round three days later.

Leeds travel to Wolves next Saturday, before hosting Bournemouth the following weekend.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c1kwev7d0ret

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Post-Leeds United press conference
Marco Silva expressed his delight with Kevin's impact to the press following Fulham's win against Leeds United.

The Brazilian winger made a difference off the bench on his debut at Craven Cottage.

"A tight game, very difficult in some moments to break them down. We felt right away that the changes Daniel (Farke) made to be much more conservative, they had good organisation.

"First half, we were too slow. We didn't take many risks in our decision. We didn't create enough. The game was very balanced.

"I think second half, we were much better. much more dynamic. Fatigue in these moments for both teams can make it more open.

"Last 30 minutes of the game I think we did create more chances. Some dangerous moments around their box.

"Own goal in the last minute of the game, we have to feel a little bit fortunate, but I think second half we did push hard to get the result that we wanted.

"It was important for us to keep a clean sheet because we need to create this habit. Because of that, we are able to go on and win the game."

"Massive impact from Kevin. I know him very well.

"When I pushed to go for him, he's a player who is still very young but at the same time has enough maturity because he was playing in the Champions League and Europa League.

"We don't have any doubt about his quality. He has a different a different profile to our other wingers."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/september/13/post-leeds-united-press-conference/

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Kevin lights up Fulham and proves to be catalyst in injury-time win over Leeds
Premier League

Fulham (0) 1 Gudmundsson 90+4

Leeds United (0) 0

The Whites plundered a first league win of the season with an injury-time own goal which rewarded a vibrant final 15 minutes in what had threatened to be a highly forgettable afternoon.

It looked as if Marco Silva's men were going to have to settle for a third draw in four outings, but with the clock deep in the red, an outswinging corner was inexplicably headed into his own net from 12 yards by defender Gabriel Gudmundsson - who had no home white shirt anywhere near him.

Until that unexpected finale, the arrival of the fleet-footed Kevin for a sparkling little cameo was as good as it got as Fulham struggled to build up any sustained pressure against a newly-promoted Leeds side who had lost their last eight Premier League matches in the capital.

Kevin created openings for others and almost capped a superb cut in from the left flank with an arrowing cross-shot in injury time that was just tipped over the bar. But from the resulting corner, Fulham got that little bit of luck that had gone missing in the last match before the international break at Chelsea.

A first half of pitifully few moments of interest was almost enlivened by a Sean Longstaff piledriver from the edge of the box that clipped the top of the crossbar - Bernd Leno appearing to get a touch to ensure it did not find its way into the net.

A header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been just about the only real threat to goal at either end.

The second half had to be better, with a monsoon of biblical proportions at the restart promising fun and frolics in the rain .

Brendon Aaronson almost stabbed in an Anton Stach cross at the near post and it needed a fine Calvin Bassey block to snuff out another moment of danger as home fans began to get restless with their team's failing attempts to impose themselves on proceedings.

Finally, the Hammy End had something to get excited about when Harry Wilson curled an excellent free-kick towards the top corner that keeper Karl Darlow clawed away one-handed - Rodrigo Muniz having been manhandled to the floor by Pascal Strujik to win the set piece.

Silva threw on Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore to help up the urgency and both were soon involved. Muniz was supplied with a heading chance from Sander Berge's chip into the box which followed a Traore incursion down the right. Smith Rowe almost slalomed himself into a clear shooting position in the inside left channel.

Then we got to see the new £35m striker Kevin offer glimpses of what he can do with some nifty footwork down the left to create a couple of moments of anxiety in the Leeds defence. The 22-year-old was not afraid to take players on and home fans were instantly chanting his name.

He may not technically have been the match winner but it was his fine effort which forced the corner from which the Whites finally prospered,

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon - Lukic, Berge (Cairney 84) - Wilson (Traore 60), King (Smith Rowe 60), Iwobi (Kevin 76) - Muniz (Jimenez 84)

Leeds: (4-3-3) Darlow - Bogle, Gudmundsson, Rodon, Strujik - Longstaff, Ampadu, Stach - Aaronson (James 77) (Gnonto 88), Calvert-Lewin (Nmecha 64), Okafor (Harrison 64)

Attendance: 27,327



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-v-leeds

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Last-gasp own goal gives Fulham dramatic victory over Leeds
An own goal in the final seconds by Gabriel Gudmundsson gave Fulham a dramatic victory over Leeds.

Gudmundsson, under little pressure, bizarrely planted a header from a Fulham corner past keeper Karl Darlow and into his own net.

It came at the end of a game of few chances.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have given Leeds a first-half lead but sent a free header straight at keeper Bernd Leno.

The visitors also went close when Sean Longstaff's powerful strike clipped the top of the crossbar.

In the second half, Harry Wilson, playing against the club which tried to sign him on a deadline day, went close when his free-kick was superbly saved by Darlow, who also kept out a header from Rodrigo Muniz.

The breakthrough came from the resulting corner after Fulham's record-signing Kevin, on as a substitute, had a curling effort pushed away by Darlow.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Berge (Cairney 84) Lukic, Wilson (Traore 60), King (Smith Rowe 60), Iwobi (Kevin 76), Muniz (Jimenez 84)
Subs not used: Lecomte, Castagne, Diop, Robinson



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-leeds-report-sept25

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Kevin impresses as Fulham earn late victory over Leeds
Gabriel Gudmundsson's 94th-minute own goal proved the difference.

A bright cameo by new signing Kevin inspired Fulham to a first Premier League win of the season with Gabriel Gudmundsson's 94th-minute own goal enough to clinch a 1-0 victory over Leeds.

Fulham boss Marco Silva waited until the 76th minute to introduce the club's £34.6million deadline-day signing and Kevin immediately created two chances, but newly-promoted Leeds looked set for a deserved share of the spoils.

That was until Kevin's late long-range effort was tipped over by Karl Darlow and Gudmundsson headed into his own net from the resulting corner by Sasa Lukic to consign the visitors to a harsh loss.

All eyes were on Harry Wilson at Craven Cottage after Leeds failed to sign the Wales winger on deadline day and he surprisingly started for Fulham.

Wilson, under the watchful eye of Wales boss Craig Bellamy, lost possession twice early on before his dangerous cross caused a moment of panic.

Fulham edged the opening exchanges but Leeds created the first opportunity of note when Brenden Aaronson's lifted cross found Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he headed straight at Bernd Leno from 10 yards in the 16th minute.

This was Calvert-Lewin's first start for Leeds as boss Daniel Farke made five changes from the 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle before the international break – one enforced with Darlow in for injured first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri.

Darlow almost inspired an opener for the visitors as his long goal kick was headed down by Calvert-Lewin, but Sean Longstaff smashed over from 18 yards two minutes before the break.

A smattering of boos from the Fulham faithful greeted the half-time whistle and the glorious sunshine was swapped for torrential rain as the second half got under way.

Farke's team remained a threat with Aaronson's flick saved by Leno before Leeds attacker Noah Okafor skipped past Joachim Andersen, but was thwarted by Kenny Tete's crucial sliding tackle.

Fulham needed inspiration and Wilson nearly provided it with a superb curled effort from a 58th-minute free-kick, but Wales team-mate Darlow produced an equally excellent save.

Silva made a double change on the hour mark with Josh King and Wilson withdrawn for Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore.

It lifted the subdued home crowd with a flurry of Fulham chances suddenly created as Rodrigo Muniz headed straight at Darlow before Smith Rowe hit the post only for referee Craig Pawson to bring play back for an earlier foul.

Kevin was introduced to enormous applause with 16 minutes left and his cross almost forced the opener, but Lukic fired wide on the turn before Traore headed over a delivery by the Brazilian winger.

Kevin then had a stoppage-time pile-driver tipped over by Darlow and Lukic's corner struck the unsighted Gudmundsson, who inadvertently headed into the net to leave Leeds crestfallen.



https://www.irishnews.com/sport/soccer/kevin-impresses-as-fulham-earn-late-victory-over-leeds-3P6OWYBYHVJT5DFECJPYCLKXI4/

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Fulham 1-0 Leeds: Gabriel Gudmundsson spares Cottagers' blushes with 94th-minute own goal
Club-record signing Kevin impressed on debut for Marco Silva's side

A bright cameo by new signing Kevin inspired Fulham to a first Premier League win of the season with Gabriel Gudmundsson's 94th-minute own goal enough to clinch a 1-0 victory over Leeds.

Fulham boss Marco Silva waited until the 76th minute to introduce the club's £34.6million deadline-day signing and Kevin immediately created two chances, but newly-promoted Leeds looked set for a deserved share of the spoils.

That was until Kevin's late long-range effort was tipped over by Karl Darlow and Gudmundsson headed into his own net from the resulting corner by Sasa Lukic to consign the visitors to a harsh loss.

All eyes were on Harry Wilson at Craven Cottage after Leeds failed to sign the Wales winger on deadline day and he surprisingly started for Fulham.

Wilson, under the watchful eye of Wales boss Craig Bellamy, lost possession twice early on before his dangerous cross caused a moment of panic.

Fulham edged the opening exchanges but Leeds created the first opportunity of note when Brenden Aaronson's lifted cross found Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he headed straight at Bernd Leno from 10 yards in the 16th minute.

This was Calvert-Lewin's first start for Leeds as boss Daniel Farke made five changes from the 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle before the international break - one enforced with Darlow in for injured first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri.

Darlow almost inspired an opener for the visitors as his long goal kick was headed down by Calvert-Lewin, but Sean Longstaff smashed over from 18 yards two minutes before the break.

A smattering of boos from the Fulham faithful greeted the half-time whistle and the glorious sunshine was swapped for torrential rain as the second half got under way.

Farke's team remained a threat with Aaronson's flick saved by Leno before Leeds attacker Noah Okafor skipped past Joachim Andersen, but was thwarted by Kenny Tete's crucial sliding tackle.

Fulham needed inspiration and Wilson nearly provided it with a superb curled effort from a 58th-minute free-kick, but Wales team-mate Darlow produced an equally excellent save.

Silva made a double change on the hour mark with Josh King and Wilson withdrawn for Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore.

It lifted the subdued home crowd with a flurry of Fulham chances suddenly created as Rodrigo Muniz headed straight at Darlow before Smith Rowe hit the post only for referee Craig Pawson to bring play back for an earlier foul.

Kevin was introduced to enormous applause with 16 minutes left and his cross almost forced the opener, but Lukic fired wide on the turn before Traore headed over a delivery by the Brazilian winger.

Kevin then had a stoppage-time pile-driver tipped over by Darlow and Lukic's corner struck the unsighted Gudmundsson, who inadvertently headed into the net to leave Leeds crestfallen.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-leeds-result-premier-league-b1247583.html

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Fulham 1-0 Leeds United

There was late drama at Craven Cottage as Fulham picked up their first league win of the season.

Strong goalkeeping from Bernd Leno and Karl Darlow saw the game reach added time destined for a draw.

However, Kevin stepped up on debut and proved to be the difference, sparking a shift in tempo and winning the corner that turned out to be a late winner for Fulham.

Temparatures reached a high of 18°C in SW6; the scene cloudy with a short shower at the start of the second half.

Marco Silva made one change to the side that fell to a harsh defeat at Stamford Bridge two weeks prior, with Timothy Castagne making way for Harry Wilson. Joachim Andersen was named captain.

Anton Stach was the first to be booked, fouling Saša Lukić as Fulham monuted their first dangerous attack of the match 10 minutes in.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a good chance for the visitors a few minutes later, but his header from close range was straight at Leno.

Leno pulled off a tremendous save to deny Brenden Aaronson from close range at the start of the second half.

Wilson thought he had scored a fantastic free-kick, but Darlow kept out the Welsh winger at full stretch to his top right corner.

Sander Berge picked out Muniz at the back post with 20 minutes left on the clock, but the Brazilian's header was saved.

A moment later, Emile Smith Rowe was denied by the 'keeper, who was on top form at the Cottage.

Deep into added time, Kevin cut inside and unleashed an effort from the edge of the box; Darlow saved incredibly, tipping it over for a corner.

That corner turned out to be the deciding moment, with Gabriel Gudmundsson turning into his own net and sending Craven Cottage wild.


Fulham FC: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Lukić, Berge (Cairney 84'), Wilson (Traoré 60'), King (Smith Rowe 60'), Iwobi (Kevin 76'), Rodrigo Muniz (Jiménez 84')

Subs: Jiménez, Cairney, Traoré, Castagne, Kevin, Lecomte, Diop, Smith Rowe, Robinson

Leeds: Darlow, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson, Longstaff, Ampadu, Stach, Aaronson (James 77'), Calvert-Lewin (Nmecha 69'), Okafor (Harrison 68')

Subs: James (Gnonto 89'), Nmecha, Bijol, Meslier, Harrison, Tanaka, Justin, Gnonto, Gruev



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/september/13/fulham-1-0-leeds-united/

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Fulham 1-0 Leeds United: Fulham end winless run after stoppage-time drama
An own goal at the death broke Lilywhite hearts.

Fulham were able to kick start their Premier League campaign with an incredible 1-0 victory over Leeds United at Craven Cottage on a stoppage-time own goal.

The two teams' head-to-head record was evenly balanced before kick-off 12 wins apiece and 10 draws among them in their previous matches. For extensive parts of the match, the game looked set to end in a draw, each side failing to threaten with an inevitable chance before goal.

As it happened
The first half was particularly cautious, with greater industry and defensive resilience. Fulham, despite the home crowd urging them on, managed not a single shot on target by half-time. Leeds was a little better, their high pressing and rapid transitions catching out Fulham at times, but they could not convert their chances in the final third.

The second half was slightly better, with both teams' managers committing their players higher up the field. Fulham managed two shots on target, Leeds three, but the goalkeepers were not under any great pressure. The introduction of new signing Kevin, who was handed his Premier League debut following his arrival on transfer deadline day, added some spark for the Cottagers. He showed glimpses of brilliance and looks to be a solid attacking option for Fulham in the future.

As the clock ran down towards the 90th minute, the match seemed destined to end in a goalless draw. In deep stoppage time, Saša Lukić sent a ball of hope into the Leeds box. What should have been an easy clearance went horribly wrong for Leeds, as the ball deflected off Tom Cairney's head and onto, Gabriel Gudmundsson, who unwittingly sent it past his own keeper.

The roar inside Craven Cottage was deafening as Fulham's players celebrated what had all the hallmarks of a coming of age and release at a difficult start to the season. For Leeds, it was a bitter way to lose a match over which they had some control, undone not by opposing class but by misfortune.

The final whistle sealed Fulham's first win of the season, lifting them out of the danger zone and providing boss Marco Silva with something to build on. Having got their opening success on the board, Fulham will hope that this dramatic conclusion can serve to instil some confidence in a team that has so far struggled to find its footing. For Leeds, the challenge will be to bounce back quickly and ensure that an injury-time own goal does not spoil their promising start to the season.

The lineups
FUL: Leno; Sessegnon, Bassey, Andersen, Tete; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Wilson; Rodrigo Muniz

LEE: Darlow; Gudmundsson, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle; Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson.



https://fromthespot.co.uk/22315/fulham-1-0-leeds-united-fulham-end-winless-run-after-stoppage-time-drama/

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Fulham's club-record signing impresses in late win over Leeds
Fulham 1-0 Leeds: Kevin impressed on his cameo but Gabriel Gudmundsson's 94th-minute own goal proved the difference as the hosts earned their first win of the season

A bright cameo by new signing Kevin inspired Fulham to a first Premier League win of the season with Gabriel Gudmundsson's 94th-minute own goal enough to clinch a 1-0 victory over Leeds.

Fulham boss Marco Silva waited until the 76th minute to introduce the club's £34.6m deadline-day signing and Kevin immediately created two chances, but newly-promoted Leeds looked set for a deserved share of the spoils.

That was until Kevin's late long-range effort was tipped over by Karl Darlow and Gudmundsson headed into his own net from the resulting corner by Sasa Lukic to consign the visitors to a harsh loss.

All eyes were on Harry Wilson at Craven Cottage after Leeds failed to sign the Wales winger on deadline day and he surprisingly started for Fulham.

Wilson, under the watchful eye of Wales boss Craig Bellamy, lost possession twice early on before his dangerous cross caused a moment of panic.

Fulham edged the opening exchanges but Leeds created the first opportunity of note when Brenden Aaronson's lifted cross found Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he headed straight at Bernd Leno from 10 yards in the 16th minute.

This was Calvert-Lewin's first start for Leeds as boss Daniel Farke made five changes from the 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle before the international break – one enforced with Darlow in for injured first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri.

Darlow almost inspired an opener for the visitors as his long goal kick was headed down by Calvert-Lewin, but Sean Longstaff smashed over from 18 yards two minutes before the break.

A smattering of boos from the Fulham faithful greeted the half-time whistle and the glorious sunshine was swapped for torrential rain as the second half got under way.

Farke's team remained a threat with Aaronson's flick saved by Leno before Leeds attacker Noah Okafor skipped past Joachim Andersen, but was thwarted by Kenny Tete's crucial sliding tackle.

Fulham needed inspiration and Wilson nearly provided it with a superb curled effort from a 58th-minute free-kick, but Wales team-mate Darlow produced an equally excellent save.

Silva made a double change on the hour mark with Josh King and Wilson withdrawn for Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore.

It lifted the subdued home crowd with a flurry of Fulham chances suddenly created as Rodrigo Muniz headed straight at Darlow before Smith Rowe hit the post only for referee Craig Pawson to bring play back for an earlier foul.

Kevin was introduced to enormous applause with 16 minutes left and his cross almost forced the opener, but Lukic fired wide on the turn before Traore headed over a delivery by the Brazilian winger.

Kevin then had a stoppage-time pile-driver tipped over by Darlow and Lukic's corner struck the unsighted Gudmundsson, who inadvertently headed into the net to leave Leeds crestfallen.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-fulham-karl-darlow-kevin-marco-silva-b2825995.html

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Late drama as own goal earns Fulham first league win
A Kevin-inspired second half lifted the Cottage and turned a dour draw into victory

For the third time in four league games, Fulham have left it late to turn a game around and claim points from an unwanted position - and this time, they even got the win! A wet afternoon at Craven Cottage saw Marco Silva's side rise above a poor start to claw themselves back into a game, and with a helping hand from super-sub and transfer record Kevin forced Leeds into conceding a late-own goal to earn our first three points of the season. It wasn't the prettiest way to win a match, but the victory was a reminder that football rewards those who persist through the hardships of a difficult match.

First Half
Difficult is a generous descriptor for Fulham, in truth. Insipid would be the better word to describe Fulham's opening half, a tedious, tepid passage of play that saw Fulham meander around the pitch waiting for someone else to spring the game into life. We've had dry spells before but it was particularly arid today, failing to register a single shot in the entire 45 and struggling to generate incisive - or even accurate - passes. You could be kind and blame the internationals for the lethargy but the Premier League has been stacked with such players and it was a deeply underwhelming opening at home to a newly-promoted side.

Leeds certainly weren't interested in being the underdog today, and actually offered the only real chances in the half. Their midfield bolstered the team: Longstaff's physical industriousness, Ampadu's resilient pressing and Stach's box-to-box versatility, let them shut down our possession and launch their own attacks, through smart lofted through-balls and nippy movement from wingers Okafor and Aaronson. They might have scored, too - a cross from Aaronson was put directly at Leno by Calvert-Lewin, and later Darlow's long-ball free-kick was knocked down by the striker, drifting through a wayward defence and thundered onto the crossbar by Longstaff. Though the finishing was poor, their muscle was taking them into the box and asking questions of Leno - a worrying sign for the game.

Second Half
They started the second half the same way, bustling their way into the box and getting the ball into striking positions. Stach and Aaronson combined well on one leftward attack but the latter saw his low shot repelled again by a diving Leno. A sudden downpour seemingly matched Fulham's mood and life in the game, as another Longstaff pass carved its way through - Okafor took Calvert-Lewin's flick well but a well-timed slide from Tete shunted the ball away from goal.

However, Fulham were at least starting to purr on the ball. Muniz, a peripheral figure for much of the match, took his own physicality to Struijk, winning a free kick in a dangerous position; Wilson, ever the showman, took the opportunity to strike a powerful effort over the wall, requiring Darlow to make a diving save to palm it away. With Fulham finally growing into the match it was the time for substitutes, and Silva duly obliged - Traore's pace and Smith-Rowe for Wilson and a subdued King. Farke made his own moments later - but curiously replaced Calvert-Lewin and Okafor, two players that had offered aerial threat and pace, for Nmecha and Harrison, inferior replacements that weakened Leeds' presence in attack. This was a curious move - Okafor had literally duelled Tete into the box before his substitution - and with hindsight feels important in tipping the game towards Fulham.

We were finally maintaining our attacking threat on the goal. Traore had the pace and physicality to put Gudmundsson under pressure and getting on the ball in deep positions on the right forced Leeds' midfield to sit deeper to reduce the pressure - freeing our players to move into advanced positions in the process. One such knockdown was collected by the winger, played back to an unmarked Berge and crossed in for Muniz, who could only steer his header into Darlow's hands. Andersen, seeing the long ball route open up, played another - Bogle's poor touch let Muniz wrestle the ball off him, setting up Smith-Rowe to surge into the box along the exposed left flank. Again, Darlow's touch did enough to keep it out, albeit with some help from the post.

Though Leeds weren't completely out of the game - long balls were still proving useful for the visitors and Andersen's head was needed to keep a Struijk effort away from Leno - their energy was starting to deplete. James was introduced to inject some much-needed speed - a fast start saw Berge pick up a booking for felling one of his bolts from midfield, but he was withdrawn injured before too long, and Gnonto couldn't sustain the same impact. It was the man that had arrived in opposite colours that instead changed the game - Fulham's £34.6 million man, Kevin.

Playing on the left, the wizardry of the Brazilian immediately took Fulham's play hurtling down the wing, delivering crosses into the box and linking up Sessegnon to enjoy his own attacking abilities. This forced Leeds to deploy James, initially given license to attack, into a fixed wing-back role to try and slow the rapid substitute. They were panicked, and for good reason - Kevin was the star of the closing period, generating multiple chances and unpiecing Leeds' previously composed defensive structures.

One cross was dinked in by Kevin, headed on by Sess, and narrowly miscued by an open Lukic, floating wide as Darlow could only watch. Another, travela-ed fiercely across the box after blasting beyond Bogle, was headed over by Traore, probably surprised to even received the ball from such an angle. He forced Leeds to retreat and shut down their final third, having set alight the final stages of the game.

It was his last brilliant act that proved decisive. Playing a one-two with Sessegnon, he took a smart touch away from Longstaff and curled a strong effort towards goal, dipping under the crossbar - Darlow again had to dive, tipping it just over for a corner. With Leeds' concentration broken, Lukic swung the corner in. Struijk, surging towards the path of the ball, jumped ahead of Cairney and missed it entirely. It instead planted squarely on an unfocused Gudmundsson's head, looping beyond a sprawling Darlow beside the vacant right post. A painful own goal for Leeds, visible from the frustration etched on their players' faces, but a reminder that the game isn't over until the final whistle blows, and nothing is earnt in football until that happens.

We Need To Talk About Kevin
Let's talk about the star man. Iwobi having such a miserable afternoon probably adds to the thrill Kevin provided but it's remarkable how much easier football is when you have pace and a little quality as an attacking option. What was once sterile became vivacious almost as soon as Kevin arrived onto the scene. It's early, of course, but the man has the ability to play with both feet, the speed to beat a full-back without needing an obvious head-start and the vision to link-up with teammates (whom presumably he's been with for no more than a few days!) With Chukwueze hopefully available in the next game Fulham have a lot to look forward to in attack now, something which should also send a message to the starting players today.

Whilst it wasn't our strongest game for much of the attack, I don't think they were completely abysmal. Muniz, though sloppy in front of goal, did demonstrate why he starts games through his combativeness, winning important duels with defenders across the game. Smith-Rowe was slick off the bench and could easily have scored his chance on another day. Wilson can produce a moment of magic from any set-piece and King will have learnt a lot from a physical midfield situation in the game.

Berge and Lukic were a little sluggish to begin with and probably needed a little longer from the internationals - both are key midfielders for their national sides, after all - but grew into the game and were important pieces of the play in the closing stage as we hunted for a goal. I really liked the work the full-backs did - Tete had his hands full with Okafor but fought valiantly, keeping up with the winger and eventually seeing him off to join up with the attack, and Sessegnon continues to work hard filling in for Robinson. The long-throw option has developed nicely as well! Andersen had his strongest game today though - he led the team at the back, making several critical interceptions and moving the ball effectively to cultivate effective possession. As always, Leno did the job he needed to when asked, and has his first clean sheet of the season as reward.

Heartbreak for Leeds?
His counterpart, Karl Darlow, might consider himself unfortunate to have missed out on his own one today. Several excellent saves decorated the second-half and only freak conditions saw him finally beaten. It points to a Leeds defence that is vastly improved from recent memories of the club in the top flight, where comical errors and amateurish antics were frequent across their outings. Whilst the backline is not quite as water-tight as the best top flight sides, huge strides have been made to sharpen up at the back, with a greater degree of care and thought put into how the team manage space, maintain composure and retrieve the ball. Gudmundsson was unlucky to be the man responsible for the own goal because he'd done fairly well up until that point, as had Joe Rodon in his dealings with Muniz.

Of course, a significant factor in this improvement is found further forward. Longstaff has proven a terrific signing for Leeds, taking the work he did under Eddie Howe at Newcastle and applying it around his new side. He was everywhere today, brushing Fulham players off the ball and funnelling it forward to Leeds' attack, which along with Stach allowed Leeds the early advantage. Ampadu is developing nicely as well - now the Leeds captain, he was a leader of the midfield and really made it difficult for us to break Leeds down at the heart of their formation.

However, the team were not proficient enough with their attacking, which meant the scoreline read 0-0 when Leeds' excellent midfield effort started to run out of energy. I do like Calvert-Lewin, who clearly makes good connections up-front for Leeds, but a player with his talent needs to put his shots to better use than we saw today, where the few efforts he had away from Bassey and Andersen were tame and ineffective. Aaronson was alright and does seem a hard-working player but I don't think he has the quality or dynamism that a James or Gnonto has - Okafor demonstrated what you can get with a quicker option on the other wing. Still, they collectively failed to punish Fulham's slow start, and didn't have anything to save the game when Fulham's luck struck them down.

We shouldn't fall into the trap of putting the game's result down entirely to fortune, though. Our defence did enough to keep Leeds away from opening the scoring, we used Silva's attacking, possession-based philosophy to wrestle back control of the match and his substitutes - Kevin in particular - turned the screw at the end to put us in the position for our good luck to strike. Five points is a lot less ugly than two in three, and with the season starting to get into full flow approaching there's plenty of reason for cheer at the Cottage today.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/late-drama-as-own-goal-earns-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-0 Leeds: Fulham Player Ratings
A last-minute own goal was enough to give Fulham all three points.

Fulham got their first win of the season thanks to an unfortunate last-minute own goal.

The game had been evenly matched, with neither side looking like scoring

Then Marco Silva introduced new signing Kevin to the fray, who caused Leeds some problems and forced Karl Darlow into a brilliant save.

From the resulting corner, Gabriel Gudmundsson lost track of the ball and headed into his own goal, giving Fulham the three points.

The result will be crucial for building momentum and kickstarting Fulham's campaign, so let's take a look at the player ratings from this dramatic victory.

Player ratings:

Bernd Leno - 7

The German shot stopper did everything he needed in the game, making a few crucial saves to keep his clean sheet.

Kenny Tete - 8

Tete dealt well with the Leeds attack and looked comfortable throughout the game. His best moment came with an unbelievable tackle in the box that took the ball off the foot of Noah Okafor.

Joachim Andersen - 8

The Danish international was brilliant on the ball and kept Fulham ticking throughout the game.

Calvin Bassey - 7

The centre back was cool in possession and kept Dominic Calvert-Lewin quiet.

Ryan Sessegnon - 6.5

A solid performance from Sessegnon, both in defence and attack. He put a few good crosses into the box, but nobody got on the end of them.

Sander Berge - 7

The midfielder played a more defensive role today, helping Fulham keep possession of the ball against the battling Leeds midfield.

Sasa Lukic - 6.5

Lukic got involved in the dirty work in the middle of the park, but was also a threat going forward, coming close to goal with an acrobatic effort.

Harry Wilson - 6

The winger came close to scoring with a fantastic free kick that Darlow kept out. He struggled to create anything against a tough Leeds defence.

Josh King - 5.5

It's no coincidence that keeping King quiet hurt Fulham offensively. The Midfielder only had 16 touches as the packed midfield left no space for him to create.

Alex Iwobi - 5.5

The Nigerian international looked sloppy on the ball, sometimes giving away possession in promising areas.

Rodrigo Muniz - 6

The striker occupied the two centre halves brilliantly, winning lots of free kicks to help the team progress up the pitch. He should have scored a goal, but he could only put his header straight at Darlow.

Substitutes:

Emile Smith Rowe - 6

Looked sharp when he came on, progressing the ball well from midfield.

Adama Traore - 5

When he did get the ball, the winger took too many touches, slowing the attack down.

Kevin - 7

The new club record signing sparked life into the game when he came on, looking like a constant threat. His wonderful curling effort led to the corner which gave Fulham the win.

Tom Cairney - N/A

Raul Jimenez - N/A



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/09/13/fulham/1233660-fulham-1-0-leeds-fulham-player-ratings.html

[WhiteJC]

Silva hails Kevin after Fulham victory
Marco Silva hailed the impact of Kevin after the recent signing made his Premier League debut in Fulham's dramatic 1-0 win against Leeds.

The Brazilian winger came off the bench with 15 minutes to go, and showed his exciting potential, creating chances and almost scoring in added time with a long-range strike

That effort led to a corner, which Gabriel Gundmunsson headed into his own net to give Fulham all three points.

Whites boss Silva said: "He's a player that we have been following. He was on our radar when we looked for the most talented young wingers for the left-hand side and was from the first day a position that we wanted to reinforce.

"We analysed him, we took enough time to analyse and after we made a decision that we wanted him here.

"He wanted to come, he wanted to join us and the people around him played a big part in it as well.

"He wanted to be in the Premier League and that is the main thing for us and we are very pleased to have him with us."

The game was lacking in quality, with just a few chances created before the late breakthrough. Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson went close for the hosts.

But it was Kevin who added a bit of star quality to ignited Fulham's surge.

"We have to give time for him to settle because as you know he just arrived on the last day of the market," said Silva.

"He needs time, he needs time to settle, probably to find a house still and all that stuff that is important."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-hails-kevin-after-fulham-victory

[WhiteJC]

Six Things We Learnt From Fulham 1–0 Leeds
Fulham 1–0 Leeds, well, just about. A smash and grab courtesy of Gabriel Gudmundsson and Kevin. It's a huge first three points of the season for Fulham, but the Whites hardly lit up Craven Cottage. So, what did we learn?

New Season, Same Issues: Low Block Woes

Don't let a positive last 15 minutes fool you, Fulham got out of jail today. Perhaps the luckiest win Marco's men have had since Brighton away. The issues that plagued the latter parts of 24/25 reared their ugly head again.

Fulham couldn't break down a low block, not having a shot till the hour mark, and producing 0.12 X.G against a newly promoted side tells you all you need to know. Fulham still struggle against low blocks, a major sticking point if you want to put sides below you to the sword, a requisite of consistent success. Fulham need x-factor, ingenuity. Did they find it...

Kevin and Iwobi: Difference like Night and Day
Enter Kevin. On 75' Fulham had shot once. Post 'Kev's' introduction, the Whites rattled off four shots in 15 minutes. One of which forced an unbelievable save from Karl Darlow, said save forced the corner Gudmonsson headed home from. Thanks Gabby'.

The yearns from the Hammersmith End to bring Kevin on were certainly well founded. The 22 year old was fearless, raw, and direct, the complete opposite of what Alex Iwobi has shown this side of 2024...

Kevin produced more in 15 minutes than Alex Iwobi did in 75. If it wasn't time to drop the Nigerian before, it is now. We have his replacement, his name is Kevin. He can knock it past you, burn you for pace and produce a wicked cross into the box with the outside of his boot, or turn you inside out and bend it top bins. I said previously, the former Shakhtar man would need time to adapt, boy was I wrong. Fulham needed somebody to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Kevin did just that. He must start in Saturday night's West London derby.

Sasa Lukic: Fulham Most Underrated Player?
Sasa Lukic continues his superb start to the season. After such a slow start to life in West London, it's unbelievable that Lukic is one of the first names on Marco's team sheet.

Lukic's role as our midfield metronome is essential to how Fulham link defence and attack. This season Sasa has introduced the attacking edge to his game that Fulham have lacked so much from deeper lying midfield. His position as the Premier League's most frequent crosser, with 12 crosses, plays a major part in Fulham's build up. Partner that with yet another set piece goal involvement from the Serbian, with a defensive display that saw Lukic win four out of four tackles, it's fair to say Sasa Lukic is a complete midfielder, and Fulham's most underrated player.

Joachim Andersen: Back To His Best
After a lacklustre first season back at the Cottage, Fulham have found the Andersen they've been looking for. Sounded a bit like Tom Grennan there, anyway... Joachim was captain today and it showed. In every game this season, Joa' has commanded the back four, and today, the great Dane got his reward, a first clean sheet in 12 games.

Andersen played a quarterback like role from centre half, and kept Calvert Lewin and Noah Okafor at bay, barring one DCL headed chance, with relative ease. Joachim is back to his best, this Fulham back four, perhaps the best since Hangeland and Hughes. Andersen is the leader of that.

Harry Wilson Out, Smith Rowe In?
Emile Smith Rowe has had to earn his starting stripes this season, I think today proved he's done just that.

Smith Rowe dropped deep and linked play, showed confidence with plenty of flicks and tricks, drove up field when chasing a lead. ESR's turn around is illustrative of a different player than the Emile we saw in the second half of last season. Emile, Kevin, and King starting against Brentford? Yes, please.

Harry Wilson however... we all love him, but frankly, Wilson consistently produces the goods from the bench, not from a starting role. Does that mirror his part of this Fulham team? It's unfortunate, but I'd say so. With a plethora of wide talent, and Harry likely on the way out, it may be best to utilise the Welshman as a super sub.

In Conclusion, FFC Got Out of Jail, Changes Must Be Made
It's a massive three points for Silva's side. Sometimes it doesn't matter how three points come, you need to just get the job done. Fulham did, you can thank Kevin for that one.

With that said, our Samba star can't bail us out every week, Fulham need more answers when dominating possession against low blocks. Marco and co had a summer to address our low block issue, our biggest issue, and until Kevin came on, it didn't look like he had done so.

Some crucial last minute adulation shouldn't subtract from that fact. If Fulham want to gain West London supremacy once more, changes must be made.



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/six-things-we-learnt-from-fulham-1-0-leeds-67d63ca8ebb3

[WhiteJC]

Gudmundsson gifts fortunate Fulham victory
A pinpoint header in the top corner to clinch victory in the final minute of stoppage time would have been what Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson dreamed of ahead of the resumption of the Premier League. But it was the stuff of nightmares as the Swedish left back beat Karl Darlow to gift Fulham their first league win of the season and spark choruses of 'Leeds are falling apart again from the Hammersmith End'. The luck wasn't with the Whites before the international break but after Tom Cairney narrowly failed to connect with Sasa Lukic's corner they got plenty of fortune here.

A despondent Daniel Farke described it as a "one in 10,000" goal that extended Leeds' losing run in London to nine top-flight games and the late drama was even more gutting as they had dug on to nullify Marco Silva's side effectively until he summoned record signing Kevin from the bench. The Brazilian winger produced one astonishing cross with the outside of his right foot and then drew a fine fingertip save from Darlow before the Welsh goalkeeper was beaten by Gudmundsson's inexplicable header under no pressure.

Fulham's record signing started on the bench and the home side hardly featured in the final third during a forgettable first 45 minutes that saw Ryan Sessegnon surge into promising positions but Rodrigo Muniz fail to figure as an attacking threat. Silva's side couldn't muster a single shot on target, whilst Sean Longstaff grazed the top of Bernd Leno's bar with a venomous drive and Dominic Calvert-Lewin wasted a first half header.

Farke altered his front line with Brandon Aaronson toiling manfully before testing Leno in the second half and Noah Okafor threatening to run in behind Joachim Andersen early on and Calvert-Lewin looking leggy as he seeks match sharpness following his free transfer from Everton. It took Fulham 58 minutes to test Darlow and there was inevitability that the Welshman's international team-mate Harry Wilson, whose deadline day switch to Elland Road fell through at the eleventh hour, would do so. The winger's free-kick looked destined for the top corner before Darlow palmed it away.

Fulham perked up once Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore were introduced as the Cottage crowd clamoured for Kevin. Traore's pace panicked the Leeds defence, whilst Smith Rowe came close to beating Darlow at his near post and Muniz headed straight at Darlow from Sander Berge's ball. Raul Jimenez was more effective after he replaced Muniz, but it was the Sao Paolo starlet made all the difference in the final fourteen minutes having been belatedly brought on.

He immediately challenged Jayden Bogle with his dribbling and injection of pace and promise that added an extra dimension to Fulham's formerly flat forward line. It was obvious to see why Silva was so keen to sign the talented 22 year-old whose wonderful wing play seems perfectly suited for the Premier League.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, R. Sessegnon, Andersen, Bassey; Berge (Cairney 84), Lukic; Wilson (Traore 60), Iwobi (Kevin 76), King (Smith Rowe 60); Muniz (Jimenez 74). Subs (not used): Lecomte, Castagne, Diop, A. Robinson.

BOOKED: Berge.

GOAL: Gudmundsson (o.g. 90+4).

LEEDS UNITED (4-3-3): Darlow; Bogle, Gudmundsson, Rodon, Struijk; Ampadu, Longstaff, Stach; Aaronson (James 77; Gnoto 89), Okafor (Harrison 68), Calvert-Lewin (Nmecha 69). Subs (not used): Meslier, Justin, Bijol, Gruev, Tanaka.

BOOKED: Stach, Okar.

REFEREE: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 27,327



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/09/gudmundsson-gifts-fortunate-fulham-victory/

[WhiteJC]

'Doesn't know names of all his teammates' - Fulham coach explains Chukwueze's omission v Leeds
Fulham manager Marco Silva has shed light on the absence of new signing Samuel Chukwueze from the matchday squad in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Leeds United in a Premier League match at Craven Cottage.

The winger, who joined the Cottagers on loan from AC Milan on deadline day, is set to spend the rest of the 2025-26 season in west London, with the deal including an option to make the move permanent.

He linked up with fellow Nigeria internationals Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi at the Cottagers.

Although Chukwueze had played only 37 minutes of competitive football this season - 25 for Milan in a Serie A defeat to Cremonese and 12 for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against South Africa - eyebrows were raised when he was left out of Fulham's squad entirely.

Silva insisted the decision was down to the player's need for time to adapt to his new surroundings.

Asked if there was a temptation to start another deadline day signing Kevin, given the positive things he had said about him, Marco Silva replied: "Of course, we all know when players are good, they are good, and that's it.

"But before they go in, to understand what they have to do in each moment of the game and all that, they need time.

"I will give you one example. It was almost impossible for Chukwueze to be involved in this game because he doesn't even know the names of all his teammates.

"He signed with us on the last day of the market, then went to the national team, and only arrived back on Thursday. He has had just two sessions with us.

"That's an example of why players need time to understand everything around them, to settle, even something simple like finding a house instead of living in a hotel for two or three months."

Fulham left it late to beat Noah Okafor's Leeds United, with Gabriel Gudmundsson's own goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time deciding the match.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=57094

[WhiteJC]

Silva salutes Kevin's 'massive impact'
Marco Silva saluted the 'massive impact' of Fulham's record signing Kevin as the Brazilian winger came off the bench to deliver a match-winning debut that delivered a late win over Leeds United.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk starlet made an immediate impression on the left wing after replacing Alex Iwobi with fourteen minutes of normal time remaining at Craven Cottage and forced Karl Darlow into a fine fingertip save when he cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive towards goal. From the ensuing corner, Gabriel Gudmundsson nodded into his own net to give Silva's side their first league win over the season.

The Fulham boss told his post-match press conference:

"Kevin made a massive impact in the way we were playing. He was one of the main targets for the position and we are pleased to have him with us. He is young but even if he wasn't playing in one of the best five leagues in Europe, he has already [played] Champions League games, already [played] Europa League games and you know it gives him the maturity.

He just needs time to settle because he arrived on the last day of the market, he needs time and to find a house still. All that stuff is important for him and to adapt as quickly as he can for the Premier League with team-mates, to try to create connections. Definitely he is going to be a player that can help us and add something different to our team. I already told him the people will start to kick him in the right way and it is just he has to adapt, but it's good when fans create a straight connection with the new signings."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2025/09/silva-salutes-kevins-massive-impact/