LONDON – Fulham’s Premier League survival hopes suffered a damaging blow after a 2-1 home defeat by Leeds United on Friday left them mired in the relegation zone with games running out.
Scott Parker’s side had the chance to escape from the bottom three with a win but goals by Patrick Bamford and Raphinha earned Leeds the points at Craven Cottage.
Joachim Andersen had cancelled out Bamford’s goal before halftime but Fulham ultimately paid the price for defensive mistakes and missed opportunities.
For Leeds it was their first victory in London in 16 attempts and they thoroughly deserved the three points that moved them up to 11th place on 39 points from 29 games.
Fulham’s failure will come as a huge relief for fourth-bottom Newcastle United who would have slipped into the drop zone had the London side managed a victory.
Parker’s team remain on 26 points from 30 matches while Newcastle, who play at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, are two points better off having played two fewer games.
“For the majority we controlled the game,” Bamford, who missed out on his first England call-up this week, said. “We created a lot of chances, I think the result was fair.”
“I think they (Fulham) will be fighting and might get out of it (relegation) — you never know.”
Source: Reuters