Martin Jol was disappointed that Fulham were beaten by Arsenal in their first home game of the new season – and believes there wasn’t much between the two sides on the day.
Goals from Olivier Giroud and a brace by Lukasz Podolski, which Jol argued came against the run of play, gave the Gunners a comfortable cushion at Craven Cottage before Darren Bent scored on his Fulham debut.
Jol told the press afterwards: “They scored two goals out of the blue, because I don’t think they had a lot of chances in the first half. It (Giroud’s goal) was a little bit of luck. At first I thought it was offside.
“Then we took the initiative and they scored (through Podolski). They almost play better nowadays away from home, because they have all the players, in a transitional game, to hurt you.
“You have to take your moments, you have to take your chances, you have to be more greedy. We lacked a cutting edge up front. But the mentality was good. Bent scored and did well, Parker did well and Taarabt did well. But maybe we need a few days to gel.”
“There were a few positives, but it’s very disappointing to lose your first home match,” Jol added.
“If you look at the positives, Bent scored. Scott Parker did ever so well. He did exactly what I wanted of him.”
