Leeds United dropped into the relegation zone for the first time this season on Sunday as they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Fulham at Elland Road.
Here's a look at the winners and losers to emerge from the contest.
Winners
Luke Ayling
With the pressure on, Jesse Marsch turned to the veteran full-back and handed him his first start of the Premier League season. Ayling has been seen on a regular basis off the bench over the last couple of months, but Rasmus Kristensen had been the preferred choice at right-back until Sunday’s clash.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings with Harrison, Aaronson and Rodrigo poor in Fulham loss
Unfortunately, the leadership and experience he provided couldn’t prevent Leeds from falling to yet another defeat. He did give Leeds width but it’s probably fair to say he failed to grasp his chance with both hands.
Robin Koch
Koch was hooked at half-time on Thursday night in the loss at Leicester City after scoring the own goal that set the Foxes on their way. However, the German kept his place in the starting line-up and managed to redeem himself with a crucial play.
Harrison Reed’s shot was initially blocked on the line by Marc Roca, another man at fault at the King Power Stadium, but Koch put his body on the line to hook the ball away from danger and prevent Fulham from a certain opener. Koch was one of Leeds’ better performers on the day.
Losers
Patrick Bamford
Dropped from the starting XI once more after failing to make the desired impact at Leicester City, with Rodrigo preferred from the off. The striker had to wait until the hour mark before entering the fray, but he struggled to make an impression on the game once more.
He did have a golden chance to score shortly after being slotted through the line by Brenden Aaronson, but he couldn’t beat Bernd Leno, who was quick off his line. The wait for a goal goes on for Bamford.
Rasmus Kristensen
Dropped for the first time this season. The Denmark international has been Leeds’ first choice right-back all season so far, but Ayling was the man preferred in the position.
It was a harsh call on Kristensen, who has turned his poor early season form around in recent weeks with some strong performances against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Arsenal. He had to watch the entire 90 minutes from the bench, too, as Marsch failed to look his way.
Jesse Marsch
The pressure continues to build on the head coach after his team selection gamble, with six changes made, failed to pay off. Leeds’ winless run now stands at eight games and results elsewhere mean the Whites are now in the bottom three.
Marsch was already under pressure, but after a fourth straight defeat, he'll be feeling it. The supporters took the opportunity to voice their frustrations towards the end of the game and many took it out on the head coach.
The American made a point of applauding the fans after the game, but the reaction was mixed as some clapped and others booed. United play Liverpool, Bournemouth and Tottenham before the World Cup break and they know they have to make if they are to climb out of this slump.
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