Scott Parker was left ruing a costly mistake from Alphonse Areola as Fulham were beaten by league leaders Manchester United at Craven Cottage tonight – but believes recent performances have shown his side can avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Whites took a shock early lead through Ademola Lookman after a bright start, but Edinson Cavani equalised after Areola dropped a straightforward cross at his feet and a wondergoal from Paul Pogba completed United’s comeback. Fulham were perhaps unfortunate not to emerge from an intriguing contest with a point and Parker is delighted with how his side have fared in a run of tough fixtures against some of the division’s best sides.
The Fulham boss told the BBC’s Match of the Day after the final whistle:
I’m really pleased but I’m disappointing at the same time, which shows how far we’ve come. We’ve held our own against the top teams in the last few games. We caused them a lot of problems but the big moments in the game, we didn’t execute them this time. I love the team at the moment and I’m really proud. We’ve worked tirelessly and we will work hard on the training field to execute those chances and hopefully it will improve.
Ade[mola Lookman] had a lot of time to compose himself and it was a fantastic finish. We lost it on a mistake and a fantastic goal by Paul Pogba. Alphonse Areola has been fantastic all season and he’ll be the first to be disappointed. He’s made an error today but he’ll come back.
I saw a team today that looked threatening and tried their hardest to get back into but we go again. The next challenge is to maintain where we are and don’t let defeat sink us. No doubt we can win and operate in this division and we just need to push on and keep improving.
Why was it left so late to bring Mitro on, he caused problems. I cannot understand why Cav is first choice striker. If not Mitro, then I would prefer AK 47, Great goalkeeper but in the last two matches he has punched rather than caught the ball which has led to a goal. Generally another very sound defensive unit, The next two league matches are crucial to our chances of survival.
Exactly Richard! We do have a real striker! Mitro has not been given a chance since the defensive end has been shored up. Give him a chance to lead the line with our current players. Not just 10 minutes here and there. He is the main reason we are even in the Prem, he deserves a chance!
Richard and Mike bang on. Totally agree. I’m sick to death of watching Cav fluff his lines every week. We’ve all been saying this now for maybe 10 games….1 header that’s it. He wasnt scoring in the Championship either. His control in the key moments is awful, his finishing terrible and his hold up play poor.
I know TK has his part in this with not giving Parker many options but Parker keeps on choosing him. I’m fed up with hearing Mitro doesnt fit our style. We have wide wing backs and a lone striker. A good headerer and someone that can hold the ball up would be an asset. With Cav in the team we will not score the goals to stay up. The defence and midfield must be looking at Cav and wonder why they bother. Parker has this badly wrong. As usual he won’t make a decision until the last possible moment. Put Lookman as wider in the front free and Mitro up front for God’s sake Parker!
Can I add my agreement. Cav is waste of time but to be fair he is being asked to play out of position. Give Mitro a run of 3 or 4 matches he is a proven goal scorer. if he is full fit try AK47, the play him until he tires then bring on AK47.Scotty has got so much right but the central striker he has got completely wrong.