Leeds United fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Michael Dawson watching for Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday panel.
It was Gabriel Gudmundsson’s own goal to settle the game and seal the points for the home side, with Leeds United losing their ninth Premier League game in London in succession deep into added time.
The Whites started brightly when Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent a header towards goal and Sean Longstaff clipped the crossbar with a sweetly struck strike later on in the opening half for the visitors.
Yet, Daniel Farke’s side were unable to take advantage and, after the break, Fulham came out much more energised. They also turned to new-boy Kevin from the bench to up the ante late on as well.
Leeds set unwanted records against Fulham but plenty was learned about Leeds at Craven Cottage, particularly regarding Leeds’ issues in terms of chance creation in open play and the need for more quality in that respect.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesMichael Dawson singles out Dominic Calvert-Lewin for difficult display for Leeds vs Fulham
There were positives in how Leeds battled and the combative nature of many of their players. The post-match Fulham 1-0 Leeds ratings reflected some solid performances for Leeds.
Leeds needed a Raphinha against Fulham as the game lacked cutting edge in the final third. However, in the eyes of many, Calvert-Lewin was physical and led the line well for Leeds.
Calvert-Lewin is among Leeds’ highest-paid players but Michael Dawson on Soccer Saturday duty was less than impressed with his performance overall.
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Soccer Saturday host Simon Thomas asked on 71 minutes: “How was Dominic Calvert-Lewin today?”
Dawson replied: “Er, bang average. Bang average.”
Thomas responded : “You say it like it is, Daws?”
Dawson added: “Yeah, very poor. He didn’t get an awful lot of service. Didn’t get a lot of service, don’t get me wrong.
“He had one opportunity with the header. He hit the target but you’ve got to score.
“When you’re in the Leeds team, you’re not gonna create loads and loads of chances.
“When that one chance comes, a header from seven-yards out, you have to take it.
“But, apart from that, didn’t do an awful lot. I mean, the game hasn’t done an awful lot, to be honest, Simon.”
The reality with the centre-forward is that he missed pre-season, but Calvert-Lewin chose Leeds over other suitors and is a player with enormous upside when fully up to speed and sharp.
Calvert-Lewin apologised to Leeds fans after the Sheffield Wednesday, describing himself as “disappointed” not to have converted his chances. The primary thing is that he is getting the chances in the first place, however.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesMichael Dawson’s post-match verdict on why Fulham beat Leeds
Post-match, Dawson then spoke further about the game. He pointed out Fulham’s substitutions as the key to victory. Thomas asked: “Did Fulham deserve to win?”
Dawson said: “No they didn’t, no. I think if there was any team that probably edged it, just, it was maybe Leeds.
“Probably, a draw would’ve been the fair result. But I watched Fulham two weeks ago against Chelsea and they didn’t get what they deserved in that game.
“Today, very, very fortunate. I mean, the goal 90+4, outswinging corner, just hits Gudmundsson. I mean, Karl Darlow made a couple of decent saves.
“But when you see this, you talk about unluckiness for Leeds. That’s what they got. But Marco Silva will not care in the slightest.
“For Leeds, yeah, I thought they were solid. They were hard to break down in the middle of the park: [Ethan] Ampadu, [Sean] Longstaff, and [Anton] Stach.
“They made it hard for Fulham. I think Leeds did enough to edge it. But, overall, it should’ve been a draw.
“I look at the first half, there were no opportunities, Leeds made it hard. And then, in the last 20 minutes, the substitution made the difference.
“Adama Traore came on down the right-hand side, pace to burn, puts Leeds on the back foot. And Kevin, new signing coming in from Shakhtar.
“I’ve changed my fantasy team already. In 20 minutes, I’ve put him straight in. He was the difference. Four opportunities he created in 20 minutes. More than what Fulham did in 70.
“I think he’s going to be a good signing. He’s fast. He’s direct. He might be an impact player, very much like Adama Traore.
“But it was a pretty poor game. Not an awful lot of excitement for me this afternoon but I’m sure Marco Silva will be enjoying it tonight.”