Leeds United 1 Fulham 1: Quick thoughts

Fulham went with a lineup that only had one change from their weekend fixture at Preston. The young Ryan Sessegnon started at left back over Scott Malone.

Fulham started a little slower than normal, or was it that Leeds started a little faster? After about 10 minutes, Fulham started to maintain possession better and Ryan Sessegnon especially really grew into the game.

Fulham were really lucky not to concede in the 27th minute when Kalas misplayed a ball and allowed the Leeds player to get one on one with the keeper. Fortunately for Fulham, the shot was pushed wide. This play was notable, because it’s the first real mistake I remember Kalas or Madl making this year.

While it’s hard to say for sure (Gentleman Jim isn’t the most neutral observer) it sure sounded like Sone Aluko earned a penalty that wasn’t given in the 31st minute.

Just a few minutes later Sone Aluko almost finished a beautiful set of passing by hitting the inside of the post.

The game opened up quite a bit in the last ten minutes of the first half, but no one was able to score the opener.

Gentleman Jim then took an aside to tell us about the flying insects he almost swallowed. Thanks for that Jim.

Fulham hit the woodwork again in the 50’ minute as Matt Smith again connected from a Cairney corner.

This woke Leeds up a bit as they managed two quick shots requiring Button to make saves. The game was super wide open for about the next 10 minutes, but still no one could break through.

In the 64’ minute Sessegnon almost had a dream finish as he just scuffed a shot. Remember, if anyone asks you about Ryan Sessegnon:

Cauley Woodrow came on in the 65’ minute to give Fulham a slightly different look.

Tom Cairney had a great goal to open things up, which caused both members of the broadcast team to swallow bugs in excitement. He was a sublime finish curled in from the corner of the penalty area after Leeds couldn’t clear their corner.

Ryan Tunnicliffe was the second sub brought on for Scott Parker in the 83rd minute. Parker put in an excellent shift. Just when you think he might be too old he puts in two great games.

Fulham almost gave up the equalizer in the 87th minute. Denis Odoi did some good defending, but Button was a little hesitant coming to claim the ball.

The final Fulham substitute was the debut of Jozabed Sánchez Ruiz, who came on for Floyd Ayite in the 88th minute.

Injury time was fairly nervy with Leeds winning a series of corners. Fulham’s set piece defending has been better this year, but Fulham fans have been conditioned to expect the worse. Finally, Leeds were able to convert with an acrobatic overhead kick right near the death. Fulham may be a new team this year, but sometimes they are the same old Fulham.

It’s very painful to not come away with three points after that performance. But if you’d asked any Fulham fan before the year if they’d take seven points after the first three fixtures of the season, they’d have taken it in a second.