Stefan Johansen says Fulham have to root out the ‘little mistakes’ that are undermining their promotion push after the Whites squandered a late lead to draw against in-form Derby County yesterday.
The Norwegian midfielder felt the Rams’ equaliser – a free header by centre back Alex Pearce from a corner – was a ‘cheap’ goal to concede and Johansen’s comments echoed that of his head coach after the frustrating draw. Speaking after the game, Johansen told FulhamTV:
We conceded again in a cheap set play. We did well to fight [our way] back in the game, but it was a bit disappointing that we didn’t get the three points in the end. All credit to Derby. There are an experienced team and they know how to get the results. I think we did well in part of the game but the most important thing is that we can’t concede easy goals and that’s something we need to work on.
The former Celtic midfielder was also dismayed that Fulham failed to make the most of their dominant passages of play or the fact that they enjoyed 80% of possession against the division’s in-form side.
I felt like – I’ve said it before – that we didn’t kill the game and then you know, obviously, this league is tight so we just need to be better at that and keep going. I think we play some really good football and we just need to keep going and be confident. In the end, the three points will come.
Johansen modestly played down his fine run of goalscoring form – the goal that put Fulham in front was his fourth in as many matches – and preferred to redirect the focus onto his team-mates and the overall result.
I just try to work hard for the team and if I can put some goals in and assists I’m happy for that but, as long as we don’t win, I’m not too happy.
