Leeds United secured a crucial and emotionally charged Premier League victory at Elland Road, with substitute Lukas Nmecha firing a 91st-minute winner to defeat Fulham 1-0. The dramatic late strike ensured the home side's tribute to former player Terry Yorath was marked with three vital points in their battle for survival.
Emotional Prelude and a Tense Battle
The match began with a poignant minute's applause for Terry Yorath, the former Leeds and Wales midfielder who died this month aged 75. The Leeds players wore black armbands, with Yorath's daughter, Gabby Logan, in attendance. On the pitch, a high-tempo but chance-shy first half saw Brenden Aaronson blaze Leeds's best opportunity over the bar, while Fulham's Raúl Jiménez headed a Harry Wilson corner wide.
Leeds Pressure Finally Tells
Daniel Farke's side dominated possession after the interval but were repeatedly frustrated by Fulham's organised defence and goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The German shot-stopper made solid saves from James Justin and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Pascal Struijk and the newly introduced Nmecha both headed narrowly off target from corners. It seemed Leeds would rue their missed chances as Fulham, unbeaten in six league games, looked set to hold on for a point.
Super-Sub Seals the Deal
The breakthrough finally arrived in the first minute of added time. Skipper Ethan Ampadu delivered a telling cross from the right, and the 81st-minute substitute Nmecha showed sharp instincts to latch onto it and lash a low finish into the bottom corner. The German forward almost doubled his tally moments later, only to be denied by a brilliant reflex save from Leno, but his initial contribution was enough.
The final whistle confirmed a sixth league win of the season for Leeds, a result that keeps them eight points clear of the relegation zone. For Fulham, their promising unbeaten run was brought to a harsh halt by Nmecha's late, decisive intervention.
