Antonee Robinson shows his class but someone tell USMNT's Weston McKennie to come out of hiding! Leeds sunk by Fulham in clash of Americans

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Antonee Robinson celebrates Fulham 2022-23
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Antonee Robinson impressed as Fulham defeated Leeds 2-1 on Saturday - a scoreline that flattered the Premier League strugglers.

Fulham hosted Leeds in the day's early kick-off in what was a showdown between four stars of the United States men's national team.

Javi Gracia took Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie and the rest of his Leeds side to Craven Cottage in desperate need of some points amid a fierce relegation battle, as they found themselves just two from safety.

Fulham, with USMNT defenders Tim Ream and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson in their lineup, took until the second half to get out of first gear - but pulled away soon after that.

Harry Wilson crashed home a first goal before Andreas Pereira made it 2-0 shortly after, with Robinson having a hand in both goals and impressing throughout.

A late Joao Palhinha own goal did little to change proceedings as pressure now mounts on Gracia's side, who appear to be hitting a barren spell of form at the worst possible time.

With four USMNT stars in action, GOAL takes a look at how each got on.

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  1. Tim Ream
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    Tim Ream

    There was no love lost between him and USMNT teammate Aaronson, who he smashed into after a few minutes. Seemed lucky to get away with an apparent back pass picked up by Bernd Leno in the first half, but replays showed it deflected off Rodrygo on the way through. Hardly threatened by a toothless Leeds attack but was solid throughout. His renaissance continues to be an amazing storyline.

    Rating: 6/10

  2. Antonee Robinson
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    Antonee Robinson

    The best performer of the four USMNT players. Like Ream, wasn't afraid of clattering into international teammate Aaronson early in the second period, before he burst into life offensively. Had a hand in both Fulham goals, with his driving run starting the move for Wilson's strike, and it was his cross which Illan Meslier fumbled for Andreas Pereira's tap-in. Robinson even provided a goal-saving block before the offside flag came to his aid. His fine season continues.

    Rating: 7/10

  3. Weston McKennie
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    Weston McKennie

    Anyone home?! Failed to maintain control of midfield and could have been punished more severely had Fulham stepped it up a gear. Booked for a challenge on Kenny Tete late in the first half and was arguably lucky not to receive a second 10 minutes after the break for a foul on Willian. He did hardly anything of note beyond his two fouls and was fortunate to last as long as 80 minutes, when was brought off for Adam Forshaw. Forget Juventus quality, his past couple of games haven't even been up to Leeds standards.

    Rating: 3/10

  4. Brenden Aaronson
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    Brenden Aaronson

    Occasionally broke at pace but found himself isolated up front and lacking support from his Leeds team-mates. Failed to generate any real attacking threat and was weak in a few challenges, as he caused Fulham very few problems. A disappointing performance reflected in a 65th-minute substitution for Luis Sinisterra. Hard to know whether his mediocre debut season in England is a matter of a slow adjustment to the Premier League level of play, or if this is the best we're going to see from here.

    Rating: 4/10

  5. The stats
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    The stats

    For Fulham, Robinson and Ream led the way in aerial duals won (two - joint-best), while the full-back was joint-third in possession won (seven times), behind second-placed Ream (eight). For Leeds, Aaronson participated in the most duals (17) and joint-second-most aerial duels (four), while a quiet McKennie won possession just once all match - the lowest from any Leeds starter.

  6. So what's next?
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    So what's next?

    Fulham's defensive duo continues to impress - especially Robinson. Captain Ream has proven to be a vital part of the Cottagers' successes this season, despite a recent downturn in form, but Miles Robinson's return from injury means 37-year-old Ream's long-term place with the USMNT is at risk. However, after playing the full 90 in all four games in Qatar, Robinson looks a safe bet under the next Stars and Stripes manager, as he continued his fine form this season against Leeds on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, like the team as a whole, Leeds' American stars struggled on Saturday. Aaronson was granted his ninth straight start in the league but is yet to go beyond a solitary assist in that time. For McKennie, though, the end of the current campaign should surely call time on his Leeds career, regardless of their Premier League fate. The midfielder struggled again without Tyler Adams by his side, as a late own-goal failed to paper over the cracks of Leeds' recent struggles.