This is a bad Leeds United team. Against Fulham in a 2-1 defeat, Leeds failed to stamp their authority on the game and were second best against a Fulham side that didn’t get out of second gear. It was just so easy.
This result leaves the Elland Road side two points off the bottom three, with the other relegation-threatened teams in action over the rest of the weekend. If results go against them, they could fall below the dreaded dotted line with game running out to correct this miserable form.
This was a performance of a side sleepwalking towards relegation. Javi Gracia hasn’t made Leeds better, he’s made them worse. Now the likes of Willy Gnoto, Leeds’ most exciting player over the first half of the season is used as a bit-part player off the bench, which is baffling given the starting XI so clearly lacks pace.
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In fairness to the visitors, the first half was shambolic from both teams. With Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham don’t want to chuck the ball into the box and instead try to pass their way into attacking areas. It didn’t work, and Leeds were too happy to sit in and hold onto a clean sheet after a series of shocking defensive displays.
The leaky Leeds back line did look more secure in the first 45, but it wouldn’t last. Goalkeeper Meslier had a shocker in goal as he failed to stop Willian’s cross for the opener. The ball came in from the left and the French goalkeeper could only touch it to Harry Wilson, who crashed his effort in off the crossbar.
The second goal he conceded was arguably even worse. Antonee Robinson found a cross from the left and Meslier once again floundered, this time palming the ball to Andreas Pereira who had the easiest of finishes into an empty net.
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The second goal he conceded was arguably even worse. Antonee Robinson found a cross from the left and Meslier once again floundered, this time palming the ball to Andreas Pereira who had the easiest of finishes into an empty net.
The goalkeeper had been one of the ones to watch in the Premier League last season, but this term, he has lost all confidence and his ability is wavering as a result. It’s also costing Leeds - big time. You can understand why Javi Gracia keeps the faith with him, but at some point he may need to make the big decision and drop the 23-year-old.
Fulham had barely got going and found themselves 2-0 up.
The away end was becoming increasingly restless as they stared a third league defeat in a row straight in the face. Leeds fans were singing the name of Marcelo Bielsa and then pummeling Marc Roja as he failed to get three consecutive corners past the first man. It was no place for a Leeds player to flourish.
But then a goal came from nowhere. Crysencio Summerville's backheel in the box was deflected into the path of substitute Patrick Bamford, who found the net via a deflection off Joao Palhinha. It was scrappy, but it kept Leeds alive.
Willian saw his free kick palmed onto the post from Meslier, who marginally redeemed himself late on, but the damage had already been done. Leeds fell to another defeat. Another game where they’ve scored once but been beaten. Continue this way, and relegation is inevitability.
