Lukas Nmecha scored a stoppage-time winner as Leeds United paid tribute to Terry Yorath with a valuable victory at Elland Road. The striker, introduced as an 81st-minute substitute for Jayden Bogle, latched on to Ethan Ampadu’s cross in the first minute of added time to secure the win, keeping Leeds eight points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Leeds dominated after a cagey first half but appeared to be heading for a frustrating draw as they failed to convert several chances. Fulham, unbeaten in six league matches coming into the game, were largely subdued in attack, with Raúl Jiménez heading their best chance wide from an early corner.
The home side wore black armbands in memory of Yorath, the former Wales midfielder and manager who died this month aged 75. A minute’s applause was held before kick-off, with Yorath’s daughter, broadcaster Gabby Logan, in attendance. ‘Today we faced a really in-form side, who’ve delivered result after result in recent weeks. We fully deserved to win this game,’ said Leeds manager Daniel Farke.
Fulham’s best spells came early in the second half, but Harry Wilson wasted a free-kick and was later booked for a cynical foul. Dominic Calvert-Lewin turned a cross narrowly wide and James Justin’s effort was held by Bernd Leno. Pascal Struijk then headed off target as Leeds pressed for a late winner.
The winner finally arrived when Ampadu’s cross found Nmecha, who lashed the ball into the bottom-right corner. Nmecha was denied a second by a brilliant Leno save as Leeds held on for their sixth league win of the season. Fulham manager Marco Silva, booked in the first half for dissent, admitted his side were second best. ‘This was not a good performance at all. We lost the game. We have to congratulate Leeds and move on.’
