Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his first start for Leeds United as boss Daniel Farke made five changes to his side for the Fulham game. Marco Silva’s side had yet to win a game in the league this season.
Karl Darlow deputized for injured first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri on Saturday. Farke decided to mix things up as his side has struggled on the road this season. Brenden Aaronson was handed a shock start, while Noah Okafor was handed his full Premier League debut alongside Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds were hoping to ride on the positive form from before the international break, where the team picked up four points from three games.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
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Leeds United boss has harsh words for players
Credit: Imago
Throughout the 90 minutes, Leeds barely created any clear cut chances. They did not threaten the Fulham goal, and the game looked likely to end in a stalemate. Marco Silva brought on the electric winger Kevin off the bench, and he changed the game. The Brazilian won the corner that Fulham scored from, which came from an unfortunate own goals from Gabriel Gudmundsson.
After the game, Farke had some harsh words on some players in the team.
“James, Harrison, Aaronson with us when we were relegated and they were called hopeless. They still have a point to prove these judgments are not right. We have this type of offensive players and I’m looking forward to improving them, but we shouldn’t expect miracles.” he said in the press conference.
Players failed to respond to Farke’s words
Aaronson’s failure to make an impact on Saturday would sting Daniel Farke a lot. The American was one of the players the Leeds boss singled out in Thursday’s press conference when questioned about the team’s goalscoring woes:
“Not just Willy, but Daniel James also has a point to prove on this level, also Jack Harrison after a good start, back to life, also right now still on the run to win all the supporters back.
“Brenden Aaronson also point to prove… So all my offensive players also need to step up.”
Leeds are away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in their next game.
