Marks out of ten for Slavisa Jokanovic’s side as Fulham extended their unbeaten run to 18 games at Craven Cottage last night …
Marcus Bettinelli: Had very little work in the first period as Leeds couldn’t manage a single shot on target in the first period but more than earned his corn after the break as he made a massive save from Caleb Ekeban to preserve Fulham’s lead. Made himself big as the young striker burst through on goal – and, as if to illustrate the importance of that moment, the home side burst up field to make it 2-0 immediately afterwards. Could be a big moment in Fulham’s season. 8
Ryan Fredericks: Another energetic display from the right back. Worked hard defensively throughout – setting the tone by snapping into a number of tackles. Got forward repeatedly in the second half putting in a number of dangerous crosses and might have scored himself but drove an effort into the side netting from an acute angle. The watching David Moyes, who has been linked with a summer move for the attacking full back, would have been very impressed. 7
Matt Targett: The on-loan Southampton full back still hasn’t lost a game in a Fulham shirt since arriving at Craven Cottage in January. He has made a big difference to all facets of this team, including set-piece delivery, where he whipped in the cross that caused such carnage for McDonald’s rather lucky opening goal. His partnership with Ryan Sessegnon down the left makes life so difficult for the opposition as well. 7
Denis Odoi: The Belgian defender was so composed at centre back again, it leaves you wondering when the fit-again Tomas Kalas will return to the side. Won plenty of headers as Leeds looked to get in behind the Fulham back four and distributed the ball impressively as well. At times, it looks like he’s a natural centre half rather than someone who is filling in so strongly in that position. 7
Tim Ream: Another big game and another dominant display from the American, who continues to hit heights unimaginable when he looked set to be released at the end of Jokanovic’s first season in charge. He made a number of crucial interceptions, striding out from the back to nick the ball away from Leeds as they looked to give their overworked defence a little bit of respite. Always assured on the ball, he gives the side such confidence. 8
Kevin McDonald: It isn’t difficult to see why Jokanovic was raving about the Scot’s influence after this game. Ran the show from that deep-lying defensive midfield position – breaking up Leeds attacks and keeping Fulham going even when the visitors worked up a serious spell of pressure in the second half. Seemed eager to get a goal from the outset, peppering the Leeds goal with efforts from long range but will freely admit that his goal was a bit of a fluke. 8
Stefan Johansen: Offered plenty of bite and energy at the heart of Fulham’s midfield once again. The terrier-like Norwegian hassled and harried Leeds from the outset and at times seemed to be operating his own individual high-pressing game. Did superbly to inject some serious pace into the the break that followed Bettinelli’s crucial save and led to the crucial Fulham second. Looks back to the superb run of form which he ended last season. 7
Tom Cairney: The skipper might not have got his customary goal against Leeds last night, but he produced another excellent performance to remind the Yorkshire club just how badly they erred in releasing him at 16. Cairney was pulling the strings from the centre of the park impressively, always finding an extra yard of space to play the extra pass. Laid on the second goal with a clever cut back for Mitrovic. 8
Floyd Ayite: Still not hitting the heights that he managed during the run in last year, but the Togolese winger was full of running all night. Should have put Fulham in front rather than slamming a shot against the post from Sessegnon’s low cross, but gave Berardi a torrid time at left back with his eagerness to burst forward at every opportunity. 6
Ryan Sessegnon: The teenager made a real impact on his return to the starting line-up and seemed to be Fulham’s most likely source of a breakthrough in the early stages. Caused Leeds’ makeshift right back Stuart Dallas all manner of problems as he continually got free down the left flank and sent in several threatening crosses. Drifted inside to roam dangerously during the second half as the Whites looked to wrap up the contest and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. 7
Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Leeds centre backs will know that were in a game after another imposing display from the Serbian striker. Passed up a couple of good chances early on, but his downward header from Targett’s corner spun in off McDonald to give Fulham the lead. Continued to lead the line to great effect after the break and got the goal his dominant performance deserved when he clinically powered home just fourteen seconds after Bettinelli had bailed Fulham out at the other end. What a signing he has been. 8
Substitutes:
Ollie Norwood (replaced Floyd Ayite, 62): Introduced to shore up Fulham’s midfield after Leeds got on top for the first time in the game during the second half. Got through plenty of work and prevented the likes of Hernandez and Saiz from striding through the centre of the park as often as they had been doing. 7
Tomas Kalas (replaced Kevin McDonald, 88): Sent on for McDonald to preserve the clean sheet with two minutes remaining as Fulham switched to three centre halves. 6
