Scott Parker was delighted that Fulham edged a tight contest at Ewood Park this afternoon to stretch their unbeaten run to five league games.
The Fulham boss knew that Blackburn would be offer a tough test on their home turf and was pleased that his side responded after a rather lacklustre first half, winning thanks to a second half strike from Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
I thought it was a well earned battle, a committed performance for an away game. Blackburn have not lost here in 10, I think the last time they lost was in September. We knew the challenge that was coming and we stood up to that challenge. First half we matched them but didn’t get enough control, we weren’t as brave as I’d have liked us to be.
We addressed that at half-time, we spoke about trying to get a bit more control, turning down their attacks, and having a patience about us, and I think the goal epitomised that really. We turned down an attack, the gaps became bigger and suddenly you can carve things open, and that’s what our opportunity came from.
It was always going to be a game of limited opportunities, but when ours came we needed to take it. It fell to Mitrovic who puts it into the back of the net, and then it turns into what most Championship games turn into at 1-0. They send a lot of bodies up top, big lads, put a lot of balls into our box, and at that point it’s a different game for us. We have to show another side to us and defend the game out.
Parker was particular pleased with the goalscorer’s all-round contribution to Fulham’s success – as well as the fact that Mitrovic has now notched 20 goals for the campaign.
It’s a big return for so early in the season. I think what makes me most proud of Mitrovic today is his overall performance. We all see him for his goal and his technical ability with the way he plays, but I think he epitomised everything we needed today, and that was roll your sleeves up and, first and foremost, win a battle. He did that, and he deserved his goal.
