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The FA Cup - Fifth Round
FulhamFulham2LeedsLeeds United0

Fulham 2-0 Leeds United: Joao Palhinha and Manor Solomon score spectacular goals

By Neil JohnstonBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section FA Cupcomments623

Marco Silva should be in contention for manager of the year for the "excellent" work he is doing at Fulham, says former England defender Micah Richards.

Fulham reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since 2010 after defeating Leeds United in an all-Premier League tie at Craven Cottage.

Special goals by Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha and Manor Solomon continued the feel-good factor at the club, who sit sixth in the Premier League after last season's promotion from the Championship under Portuguese boss Silva, who took charge in July 2021.

They are now just two wins from a first FA Cup final since 1975.

"Marco Silva has been excellent," said Richards, who was at the game as part of BBC One's live coverage. "At the start of the season we asked 'are Fulham going to go down?'.

"He's not only stabilised that but he has got a way of playing that suits the players he has got in the team - and he can mix it up.

"I just think the story of Fulham... he has got to be up for manager of the year."

Former Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy, who was also part of BBC One's coverage, said it would be "amazing" if his old club went on to win the FA Cup for the first time.

"How amazing would that be? It would be great reward for the fans and this manager who has done so well this season," he added.

"But you need a bit of luck in the next round."

Fulham thriving under Silva

Fulham are now unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions and are a team full of confidence under Silva.

Silva made seven changes to his side but it still proved enough to send Leeds to a first defeat under their new boss Javi Gracia - and Fulham into Wednesday's draw for the quarter-finals.

Leeds, who were well backed in London by their travelling fans, fell behind to Palhinha's outstanding curling finish from about 30 yards which went in off the post.

The visitors responded by hitting the post through Georginio Rutter's looping header, while they also had two goals - from Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto - ruled out.

Gnonto also forced a fine save from Marek Rodak before the visitors conceded a second, Solomon scoring for the fourth successive game with a strike past Illan Meslier from the edge of the box after exchanging passes with Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham advanced by scoring from two of their three attempts on target. In contrast, Leeds had 16 attempts - six on target - without scoring.

Solomon nets magnificent goal to for Fulham in FA Cup

'We're trying to change our FA Cup story'

Fulham boss Marco Silva: "It's great for us to go through to play in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2009-10. We know that our story as a club in the FA Cup is not great and we are here to try and change it."

Leeds boss Javi Gracia: "To be honest I think today we were a little bit unlucky because we created many chances. We were very close to scoring. One post, one goal disallowed which in my opinion was very soft. The effort of my players was massive.

"But if you don't score and you are not clinical then you lose. Now our target is to try and win the next game, try and improve our position in the table and to try and grow."

Player of the match

João PalhinhaJoão Palhinha

with an average of 6.30

Fulham

  1. Squad number26Player nameJoão Palhinha
    Average rating

    6.30

  2. Squad number11Player nameSolomon
    Average rating

    6.22

  3. Squad number13Player nameReam
    Average rating

    5.78

  4. Squad number1Player nameRodák
    Average rating

    5.73

  5. Squad number9Player nameMitrovic
    Average rating

    5.61

  6. Squad number33Player nameRobinson
    Average rating

    5.52

  7. Squad number18Player nameAndreas Pereira
    Average rating

    5.49

  8. Squad number8Player nameWilson
    Average rating

    5.45

  9. Squad number12Player nameCédric Soares
    Average rating

    5.39

  10. Squad number28Player nameLukic
    Average rating

    5.32

  11. Squad number4Player nameTosin
    Average rating

    5.28

  12. Squad number20Player nameWillian
    Average rating

    4.80

  13. Squad number30Player nameCarlos Vinícius
    Average rating

    4.77

  14. Squad number6Player nameReed
    Average rating

    4.63

  15. Squad number2Player nameTete
    Average rating

    4.58

  16. Squad number14Player nameDe Cordova-Reid
    Average rating

    4.54

Leeds United

  1. Squad number29Player nameGnonto
    Average rating

    6.26

  2. Squad number5Player nameKoch
    Average rating

    6.19

  3. Squad number24Player nameRutter
    Average rating

    6.12

  4. Squad number7Player nameAaronson
    Average rating

    6.05

  5. Squad number3Player nameFirpo
    Average rating

    6.05

  6. Squad number2Player nameAyling
    Average rating

    6.01

  7. Squad number11Player nameHarrison
    Average rating

    5.93

  8. Squad number10Player nameSummerville
    Average rating

    5.82

  9. Squad number28Player nameMcKennie
    Average rating

    5.74

  10. Squad number1Player nameMeslier
    Average rating

    5.59

  11. Squad number8Player nameRoca
    Average rating

    5.53

  12. Squad number12Player nameAdams
    Average rating

    5.53

  13. Squad number25Player nameKristensen
    Average rating

    5.46

  14. Squad number9Player nameBamford
    Average rating

    5.32

Line-ups

Fulham

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 1Rodák
  • 12Cédric SoaresSubstituted forTeteat 90'minutes
  • 4Tosin
  • 13Ream
  • 33Robinson
  • 28Lukic
  • 26João PalhinhaSubstituted forReedat 81'minutes
  • 8WilsonSubstituted forWillianat 82'minutes
  • 18Pereira
  • 11SolomonSubstituted forDe Cordova-Reidat 81'minutes
  • 9MitrovicSubstituted forCarlos Viníciusat 69'minutes

Substitutes

  • 2Tete
  • 5Duffy
  • 6Reed
  • 14De Cordova-Reid
  • 17Leno
  • 20Willian
  • 30Carlos Vinícius
  • 31Diop
  • 38Harris

Leeds

Formation 4-3-3

  • 1Meslier
  • 2Ayling
  • 25Kristensen
  • 5Koch
  • 3Firpo
  • 28McKennie
  • 12Adams
  • 8RocaSubstituted forAaronsonat 74'minutes
  • 10Summerville
  • 24RutterSubstituted forBamfordat 63'minutes
  • 29GnontoSubstituted forHarrisonat 63'minutes

Substitutes

  • 7Aaronson
  • 9Bamford
  • 11Harrison
  • 16Perkins
  • 18Gyabi
  • 22Robles
  • 34Pinheiro Monteiro
  • 49Fernández
  • 63Gray
Referee:
Chris Kavanagh
Attendance:
19,359

Match Stats

Home TeamFulhamAway TeamLeeds
Possession
Home54%
Away46%
Shots
Home7
Away16
Shots on Target
Home3
Away6
Corners
Home4
Away2
Fouls
Home6
Away9

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Fulham 2, Leeds United 0.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Fulham 2, Leeds United 0.

  3. Post update

    Attempt missed. Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.

  4. Substitution

    Substitution, Fulham. Kenny Tete replaces Cédric Soares.

  5. Post update

    Harrison Reed (Fulham) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  6. Post update

    Foul by Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United).

  7. Post update

    Foul by Carlos Vinícius (Fulham).

  8. Post update

    Robin Koch (Leeds United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  9. Post update

    Attempt missed. Tyler Adams (Leeds United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Weston McKennie.

  10. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Luke Ayling (Leeds United) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is blocked. Assisted by Jack Harrison with a cross.

  11. Post update

    Attempt saved. Cédric Soares (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Harrison Reed.

  12. Post update

    Corner, Fulham. Conceded by Rasmus Kristensen.

  13. Substitution

    Substitution, Fulham. Willian replaces Harry Wilson.

  14. Substitution

    Substitution, Fulham. Bobby De Cordova-Reid replaces Manor Solomon.

  15. Substitution

    Substitution, Fulham. Harrison Reed replaces João Palhinha.

  16. Post update

    Attempt missed. Robin Koch (Leeds United) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Rasmus Kristensen with a cross following a corner.

  17. Post update

    Attempt missed. Patrick Bamford (Leeds United) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Junior Firpo with a cross following a corner.

  18. Post update

    Corner, Leeds United. Conceded by Tim Ream.

  19. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Crysencio Summerville (Leeds United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Weston McKennie.

  20. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Weston McKennie (Leeds United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

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623 comments

  • Comment posted by Brain, at 21:53 28 Feb 2023

    The Leeds goal was disallowed for a push which was no worse than we see every time a corner is taken.

    • Reply posted by yaschmidt, at 22:09 28 Feb 2023

      yaschmidt replied:
      Wilson should be suspended for that dive.

  • Comment posted by D1697367905380, at 21:57 28 Feb 2023

    Leeds already look better under new management but the same old problems still exist. We cannot score, we have no threat from set pieces and are likely to give away a sloppy goal. Difference between the two sides was finishing.

    Shout out to the Leeds fans by the way what a noise they made.

    • Reply posted by Mace, at 22:37 28 Feb 2023

      Mace replied:
      So basically the same as when Marsch was managing us... 😁

  • Comment posted by digital dg, at 21:47 28 Feb 2023

    Really encouraging performance from Leeds. Much better shape and organisation than under Marsch. Two worldies from a very good Fulham side the difference on the night. Premier League survival is the priority and looks more likely under Gracia. #MOT.

    • Reply posted by It is grim up North but fun, at 21:54 28 Feb 2023

      It is grim up North but fun replied:
      I disagree, Leeds were shocking, and I have supported for years and years. Get rid of Harrison and Bamford.

  • Comment posted by allaboutmovement, at 21:55 28 Feb 2023

    I enjoyed the game. I thought Leeds played some good stuff and were unlucky: they hit the post and the disallowed goal could easily have been allowed on another day.
    The two Fulham goals were great.
    Contrary to some of the comments on here, the Leeds players obviously did care, did try hard and are better than some are suggesting.
    But they need to start taking the chances they create - AND QUUCK!

  • Comment posted by DulwichGooner, at 21:50 28 Feb 2023

    Harry Wilson looked like he'd been hit by a car for the disallowed Leeds goal! What a disgrace... part of Frank Lampard's Derby so expect no less. Leeds very unlucky, but 2 great goals 😒

    • Reply posted by D1690188813470, at 21:52 28 Feb 2023

      D1690188813470 replied:
      I think he scored one of the goals that knocked Leeds out of the playoffs didn't he? LOL

  • Comment posted by Stan The Man, at 21:53 28 Feb 2023

    The footballing gods just really hate Leeds. Absolutely nothing goes their way.

    • Reply posted by Cardurroch01, at 22:00 28 Feb 2023

      Cardurroch01 replied:
      Correct , until the curse or jinx is lifted it will always be the same.

  • Comment posted by Magic Man Malignaggi, at 21:51 28 Feb 2023

    Is anyone going to criticise Tyler Adams passing the ball straight to Palhinha for their opener when we were on top or is he still above criticism?

    • Reply posted by ani4ani, at 21:54 28 Feb 2023

      ani4ani replied:
      Definitely his fault…wasn’t a good pass even if it had come off.

  • Comment posted by Trickylawson, at 21:51 28 Feb 2023

    Leeds and Fulham got promoted in 2020. Leeds had a top half finish. Fulham relegated with 28 points. Move forward 2 seasons, Fulham in top 6, Leeds looking one of the relegation favourites. It shows how much Leeds have regressed since 2021. Missed a big opportunity to invest and push forward two seasons back. Tonight’s game, two cracking goals from Fulham. Good luck to them in next round.

    • Reply posted by Ellandrik, at 21:53 28 Feb 2023

      Ellandrik replied:
      Totally agree.

      A real lack of ambition from Radz and the 49ers

  • Comment posted by Rover, at 21:56 28 Feb 2023

    Well done Fulham, best of luck. Leeds first goal should have stood tho.

    • Reply posted by AndrewAnglia_89, at 22:13 28 Feb 2023

      AndrewAnglia_89 replied:
      True. But it wasn’t their night sadly.

  • Comment posted by MJH, at 22:20 28 Feb 2023

    On a different note... I can understand Manor Solomon being awarded Man of the Match for the "Roy of the Rovers" factor, but it really should have been Tim Ream. He was the main reason Fulham kept a clean sheet tonight, and I'm not even sure we would have won against such a determined Leeds team without him putting in a performance like that. Best of luck to Leeds for the rest of the season.

    • Reply posted by webbstele, at 23:00 28 Feb 2023

      webbstele replied:
      Of all our “legacy” players, Tim Ream is, IMO, the single most improved player in our squad. He makes the odd error - show me a central defender who doesn’t - but his awareness and anticipation is not unlike Bobby Moore. Moore wasn’t the fastest man on 2 legs but his positioning, like Ream’s, gave him an edge. But, we have to face reality in a relentless league - a succession plan for Tim is vital

  • Comment posted by dean , at 21:48 28 Feb 2023

    Story of the season. Nothing up front. Even at two down we had enough chances to win the tie. Mind you…get something on Saturday and I’d take it

    • Reply posted by paul hirst, at 22:02 28 Feb 2023

      paul hirst replied:
      One of those nights...I reckon we could've played till early hours of morning and we still wouldn't of scored. Atleast we play a team at weekend with the same problem...no issues creating chances, just finishing them.

  • Comment posted by Jeff Harris, at 21:47 28 Feb 2023

    Well done Fulham ,good luck for the next round I think Leeds can take a lot from this ,there football was good ,better than quite a few in this division ,but I think more hope going forward under the new management set up

    • Reply posted by Lillywhite Elite Force, at 21:56 28 Feb 2023

      Lillywhite Elite Force replied:
      Congrats Fulham. Weedy Leeds just can't hack it. I hope they go down.... And GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!

  • Comment posted by Billog, at 22:02 28 Feb 2023

    Can I ask the bbc to sack Shearer because that was so biased , he doesn't even hide the fact he hates Leeds it's embarrassing. So bbc this is an official complaint.

  • Comment posted by This name is awaiting moderation, at 22:09 28 Feb 2023

    You know what?!
    Fair play and respect to likes of Fulham,BHA,Bford,doing so well,they’ve all had they’re hardships&turmoil,they are having a wonderful season which is no more than they deserve,so let them enjoy their time in the sun. The likes of Arsenal,Lpool,M City,M Utd and my lot at the Bridge have been spoiled with success, the likes of Fulham,Bford&BHA give hope to others..May it continue..

    • Reply posted by fulhamman, at 22:28 28 Feb 2023

      fulhamman replied:
      True gentleman!

  • Comment posted by portishead paddy, at 21:48 28 Feb 2023

    Come on Leeds got to start putting these chances away Harrison put some great crosses in and good performance from Ayling and Firpo. MOT

    • Reply posted by Bandera Pilot, at 22:05 28 Feb 2023

      Bandera Pilot replied:
      no way Ayling - he should learn to stop letting crosses get over because they cost us goals every single game. Agreed on Firpo and Harrison

  • Comment posted by joe robert, at 21:48 28 Feb 2023

    summerville had a stinker, doesn't win any contested balls, was dawdling after solomon when he scored. of all who were sub-ed why wasn't he the first?

    • Reply posted by pj, at 21:51 28 Feb 2023

      pj replied:
      Totally agree Joe. We concede our first goal against Man U because Summerville couldn't be bothered to get close enough to Shaw. Gnonto sets the example on back-tracking.

  • Comment posted by Burlster67, at 22:12 28 Feb 2023

    Same old from Leeds. Plenty of effort & no end product. Silly mistakes get punished at this level. Rutter looks promising & Koch is finding some form. Great support again from Leeds, 6500 down to London, midweek & live on national tv…brilliant…Keep fighting MOT

    • Reply posted by D1712750408792, at 22:16 28 Feb 2023

      D1712750408792 replied:
      What's that 1 in 121 people in leeds went to the footy tonight? Astounding

  • Comment posted by davet, at 21:47 28 Feb 2023

    Leeds deserved something out of that but with a forward line that couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat its going to be a tough end to the season.

    • Reply posted by It is grim up North but fun, at 21:55 28 Feb 2023

      It is grim up North but fun replied:
      It is, it’s a shocking time to be a Leeds fan… oh well, at least we haven’t spent £500m in jan…

  • Comment posted by Howhard, at 00:12 1 Mar 2023

    I hope Leeds stay in the the Prem. The league is better with them in it. I love my club Fulham. Playing great stuff, entertaining the fans, riding our luck perhaps but enjoying the good times while they last. If you score two fantastic goals like that then you deserve to win the game. The magic of the FA Cup of alive & well.

    • Reply posted by no one, at 05:57 1 Mar 2023

      no one replied:
      yep hope leeds stay up but they wont - fulham in all honesty werent mch better apart from having much better strikers and cracking goals - well done and good luck next round and hope you get into europe - you have an excellent manager better things to come for you

  • Comment posted by The Spin Doctor, at 21:46 28 Feb 2023

    Good win by Fulham.
    Leeds have bigger things to worry about than winning a cup this season.

    • Reply posted by Griffin, at 07:01 1 Mar 2023

      Griffin replied:
      Im a Leeds fan and have no issue with Shearer at all.... He hates Leeds?, grow up old lad.

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