Leeds United fought hard to finally win in London as Raphinha struck in the second-half to seal three points against Fulham.
The Whites looked to round off March with a much-needed win to arrest their bad run of form, but faced Scott Parker’s in-form Fulham side at Craven Cottage.
A win would see Leeds move 13 clear of the bottom three and all-but secure their top flight status for another year, while defeat would have done the opposite.
Luke Ayling had a glorious header and celebration ruled out early on for a tight offside call but Leeds pressed on to score a perfectly legal, and well-worked goal through Patrick Bamford.
Leeds’ weakness from corners reared its ugly head again as Joachim Andersen prodded home before half-time.
However, a swift counter-attack was finished off by Raphinha to eventually see Leeds hold on for a huge 2-1 win.
Here, we deliver our player ratings from Craven Cottage as Leeds travel back from London with maximum points…
Illan Meslier – 8
Huge performance from the young stopper once again.
Far more commanding from crosses compared to the reverse fixture and produced a few incredible saves throughout.
Meslier is winning us a lot of points this season.
Luke Ayling – 7
Completely at sea for the goal Fulham scored but it was his only slip-up and otherwise a solid right-back performance, but those mistakes are punished.
Such a shame that he whipped out the luscious locks for nothing, though.
Diego Llorente – 8
Had a tough task when it came to dealing with Fulham’s aerial bombardment but coped well alongside Struijk.
His ball-playing is going to continue to be a huge asset going forward.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Another great performance from Struijk and the battle for his international future is only going to get bigger between Holland and Belgium.
Liam Cooper might have a battle on his hands to reclaim his spot.
Gjanni Alioski – 5
The weak link of the side today.
Gave the ball away almost as if he was trying to all game, allowing Leeds to concede needless set-pieces, which eventually were punished in the first-half.
He has the knack of doing something really good, earning praise, before ruining it with some silly decision-making, pass, or rash tackle.
Kalvin Phillips – 8
Monstrous from Phillips and a key reason for why Parker was forced into changing up almost his entire midfield.
Aggressive in winning possession and made the right passes, which led to Leeds’ winner when he stole the ball in midfield and released Bamford.
Raphinha – 8
Another game in the maroon strip and another goal.
He wasn’t given much chance to shine today as Fulham were right on him, but his feet were too quick as he danced past Tosin before squeezing his shot under Areola.
Tyler Roberts – 8
Another very strong performance from Roberts, and he’s demonstrating more and more why Bielsa continues to show faith in him.
Another player who was really aggressive in his pressing off the ball and is beginning to make more of the right decisions in the final third.
So unlucky to have his shoulder deemed offside when he set up Ayling’s disallowed goal.
Stuart Dallas – 7
Energetic and another stellar outing for Dallas in central midfield.
It’s not ideal that a winger-come-full-back is being forced to move into the centre but he’s doing his job better and better by the week.
Should have scored and put the game to bed when he was released down the right side of the box.
Jack Harrison – 8
Added another assist to his impressive tally with a brilliant driven cross to Bamford.
His workrate is something that a coach must dream of at any scoreline, let alone when you’re holding on for a win late on.
Such a vital asset to the squad.
Patrick Bamford – 8
Are you watching, Mr. Southgate?
A very well-taken goal to give Leeds the lead as he sprung clear of his marker in the six-yard box and scored a poacher’s goal.
Also, another goal involvement for him in the way of an assist when he rolled the ball into Raphinha’s path.
Subs
Mateusz Klich – 6
Klich didn’t have much to do apart from just be a menace off the ball and he did that well.
Robin Koch – N/a
Came on with virtually no time and was there merely as a body to head the ball clear, but it’s nice to see him return.