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Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira got on the scoresheet for Fulham as relegation candidates Leeds United were deservedly beaten at Craven Cottage.
After going into the game hoping to bounce back from 5-1 and 6-1 home defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively, Leeds were unable to impose themselves as they were defeated 2-1.
After a lackluster first half at Craven Cottage, Fulham found the breakthrough with Harry Wilson continuing his return to form with a second goal in as many games with a well timed volley in the 58th minute.
Andreas Pereira doubled Fulham’s lead after Illan Meslier came in for a cross but was unable to clear, with the ball falling for the unmarked 27-year-old just five meters away.
Leeds pulled one back with 11 minutes remaining to bring their performance to life, while Patrick Bamford’s shot was deflected into the back of the net by Joao Palhinha.
The visitors tried to push for an equalizer but, despite a markedly improved performance over the previous 80 minutes, they failed to level the game.
Fulham committed some unnecessary fouls in the early part of the game, including one just outside the box, which almost gave Leeds the lead.
Marc Roca flicked the ball towards the far corner, with Bernd Leno making his first save of the game.
The first half lacked intensity, despite Leeds’ dangerous position and the fact that they have conceded 11 goals in their last two games.
Chances were limited throughout the first period with Pereira trying his luck from distance just before the break but his shot went straight into Meslier.
There was a slight increase in pace early in the second half, with Willian shooting just wide for Fulham in the 49th minute.
After a slightly lackluster performance, Fulham found their breakthrough in the 58th minute.
Antonee Robinson drove in center, before playing with Willian in left field. The Brazilian’s cross was deflected straight into the path of Wilson who fired home.
The goal set the Cottagers to life as they looked to inflict further misery on Leeds, with Pereira’s direct free-kick bouncing off the bar just after the hour mark.
Fulham doubled their lead in the 71st minute. Pereira started the move before Robinson’s cross was not tackled by Meslier, and nobody picked up as the Brazil international fired into an empty net from five yards out.
Leeds pulled one back to set up a thrilling finish to the encounter when Bamford’s shot at the far post was deflected into his own net by Palhinha.
Despite the eight extra minutes, Fulham – who also beat Leeds 2-0 in the fifth round of the FA Cup in February – secured a Premier League double against the struggling Whites.
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