LEEDS saw their 16-year wait for a Premier League home game almost end in disaster thanks to an amazing Fulham comeback in this seven-goal thriller.
Helder Costa’s second goal in the 57th minute made it 4-1 to the hosts and it looked like they would crown their return to the top flight in style.
Costa and Bamford celebrate during the 4-3 win over Fulham at Elland RoadCredit: AFP
But Bobby Decordova-Reid hit back five minutes later before Aleksandar Mitrovic’s second made it squeaky bum time for Marcelo Bielsa on his bucket.
Neeskens Kebano then came inches from netting an improbable equaliser when his cut inside hit the post.
If anything, this goal fest – coming on the heels of the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool – encapsulated everything we expected from the Championship winners.
Yes, their swashbuckling, frenetic style can easily cut it in the top flight.
But those holes at the back remain as gaping as ever and the defensive frailties will need to plugged as the season goes on.
Costa gave Leeds the lead in the fifth minute when he met Kalvin Phillips’ corner at the back post.
Defender Robin Koch then gave away his second penalty in as many games and Mitrovic equalised from the spot ten minutes before half-time.
It was Leeds’ turn to score a penalty then as Patrick Bamford was pushed over by Joe Bryan and Mateusz Klich converted in the 40th minute.
Bamford needed only five minutes of the second half to score his own after a lovely through ball from Klich.
He then turned provider when a ball in from the left met Costa who made it 4-1 just seven minutes later.
Fulham seemed to wait until all hope had gone before mounting their comeback – but it was enough to frighten the life out of Leeds.
It was not enough, however, and Leeds’ long-awaited return to Elland Road in the top flight was matched with the three points all fans had been dreaming of.
Bamford said: “I feel like against Liverpool it was a free hit but this was a crucial match against another team that came up last year.
“We wanted to win but that was a little bit too close in the end!
“I think there’s going to be a few long meetings this week just to pick out what we can do better.”
More to follow.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
