Scott Parker saluted Fulham’s fortitude after the Whites claimed a first-ever league win at Goodison Park – and insisted his side can avoid relegation from the Premier League.
The Londoners surprised high-flying Everton, outplaying Carlo Ancelotti’s side and fully deserving their victory on Merseyside – which came courtesy of a second-half brace from new signing Josh Maja. Parker told BT Sport that Fulham’s first win in twelve games certainly wasn’t a surprise to him:
“It has been coming, for sure. The difference is that we win the game by putting the ball in the net. People may be seeing that it turns but for the large part in the last 15 games we have been consistent. We were brilliant, superb in everything we did in defence and attack. I don’t think we deserved anything less to be honest.”
The Fulham boss had been working hard on helping his forwards convert chances in training after rueing a goalless draw with West Ham last weekend and was delighted that his side were finally more ruthless in the final third.
“Today it has been the difference. I constantly say to this team, you cannot keep creating the chances and that is a good marker to keep belief. We have been on the wrong side of fine margins but in and around the six yard box we have sniffed out chances and got a big win.”
Parker believes his side, who now move on to critical games against relegation rivals Burnley and Sheffield United, have more than enough to stay up – despite still being seven points from safety with fifteen games to play.
“That is how we go about our work. We have been drawing too many games and we need to be winning them. We now go into two massive games and onto the rest of the season. I have got full belief in this team, I honestly have.
“People judge performances on wins and losses, I have a different view because I see it everyday and have to be more rational looking at my team. It gives me constant belief. I know what we need to do and the players do too. We can’t control what is around us, we just need to go out and win football matches. If we do that I know it will be OK. They said our record here was not great but it is irrelevant to me and I am happy to get the win.”
Hats off to Scott Parker!
Tonight, he got it spot on with his team selection and the way we went about the game.
We have to keep Scott. If we go down it is all about who we can keep. The players like Scott so he is bound to help us keep them. Last thing the likes of HR and Robinson etc will need is some brand new coach turning up, it’s bound to add to them feeling unsettled and exploring options.
We’ve been playing well for ages its just a matter of scoring goals after dominating the game.Next 3 games critical,we need to get our noses in front as we have the defence to hold out,if we were 1 up and then score again I would say game over.Reed MOM at Everton always involved,RLC also looked good
Burnley fan here. You played Everton off the field last night. Its going to be an interesting game at Turf Moor. I of course will be cheering the Clarets on.
Even at their lowest point, I always thought we could stay up. Once we repaired the defence, I hoped we could score some goals, and although it’s taken longer than I hoped, we just may be figuring it out, and there’s enough time left.
I am more impressed with RLC and Reed every week, and if they keep up the sharp passing, we can pass Newcastle and Burnley by May.