Leeds United are still reeling over the defeat against Fulham over the weekend. Daniel Farke’s side thought they could have salvaged something from the game but an unfortunate incident denied them.
Leeds had control of the game for the first hour, but the team still cannot find the back of the net. In the second half, Fulham made some changes to bring life in the game. Record signing Kevin almost single-handedly changed the result with his pace and directness. His shot on target forced the save that lead to the corner kick the own goal came from.
Daniel Farke’s side were punished for their conservative approach late in the second half, where they sat back and invited pressure.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
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Daniel Farke pleased with one Leeds United performer from Saturday
Credit: Imago
During that period, Karl Darlow was the standout performer. The Welshman, who was filling in for the injured Lucas Perri, made a number of saves to keep Fulham out of the net. It was very unfortunate that the only shot that went past him on the night was from his own teammate.
Daniel Farke said after the game that Darlow was one of the standout performers on Saturday:
“We are all happy that we have Karl because he’s an experienced guy. He’s so mature. Also, today, there were not too many saves to make, but when we needed him, he was there. He has good experience and is always positive.
“He’s a guy who never cracks under pressure, and I’m pretty happy that we have such a mature and rock-solid goalkeeper who can step in when our number one, Lucas Perri, is out.
“It gives [Perri] also a bit more time, not to go on holiday, but it’s not like we have to push him and play him even though the injury is not fully recovered. So, we are all happy, and as long as we need Karl, I know he will perform really, really solidly.
Lucas Perri’s place in the team is not permanent
Perri has not made any glaring errors, but none of his games this season can top what Darlow did on Saturday night. And with the Brazilian out for at least one game, Darlow stands a chance of making his claim in goal.
Many forget that Lucas Perri has been shaky in the games he has featured in so far, being close to committing errors against Arsenal and Newcastle on the ball. When he eventually comes back, he will have to deliver on his record fee to keep Karl Darlow on the bench. Daniel Farke is no stranger to big changes either, as seen with the Illan Meslier saga last year.
