Scott Parker was most pleased about the character shown by his side in the win over Birmingham City.
Fulham went into the match on the back of a poor result at home to Hull City, but they ground out a gritty victory at St Andrew’s – only the second loss Blues have suffered on their own patch this season.
When asked if it was a deserved three points, Parker said: “I think so. It’s a tough place to come. They’ve had one defeat here all year.
“We knew it was going to be tough. First half we had a goal disallowed but second half I thought we were very dominant.
“It’s been a tough week, there’s been some questions asked of the team, mainly by me after a 3-0 loss at home. That was bitterly disappointing but we came here and showed real character, in difficult conditions, and I thought we were worth the win.
“I said to the team in the lead up that the main focus I wanted to see was character. That’s how I determine a footballer, that character and passion about them. If you’ve got that first and foremost, you’ll be alright.
“We all realise that if you want to be successful as a team and as a player, you need something that’s in the gut of your stomach, that’s a desire about you and a mentality.
“The travelling fans were superb, supporting the team all the way through, and were top drawer. It was a good day. We’ll take a deep breath, relish this moment, but now we need to build on this.”
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s 12th goal of the season proved the difference, and the stand-in captain was a thorn in City’s side all afternoon.
“He was pivotal,” Parker admitted. “For all his goals and everything that goes around Mitrovic, all I ask from him every week is to turn up and be the Mitrovic that has me standing on the side of the pitch thinking, ‘this guy is an absolute animal.’
“If that’s his base and his platform, goals will come, the wins will come. He’s a talisman, he’s the guy everyone looks to, and there’s a lot of pressure on him.
“He needs to live with that pressure and understand what he gives to this team, and he did that massively today.”
