Marco Silva couldn’t hide his irritation after Fulham slumped to back-to-back league defeats for the first time in his Craven Cottage tenure by being beaten at Derby County last night.
The league leaders threw away the opportunity to clinch promotion from the Championship following Fabio Carvalho’s fabulously taken opener at Pride Park as they failed to match Derby’s intensity in a second half surrender. Luke Plange equalised from close range before Tosin Adarabioyo’s own goal proved decisive – with Wayne Rooney’s side securing a precious three points.
Silva told his post-match press conference that his team were sloppy after the interval and conceded ‘soft goals’.
“We are too soft in the goals we conceded to be honest. In the last two games we have conceded five goals that we will have to analyse and improve on because if you want to win football matches you have to be really solid as a team and in the two matches, we haven’t been.”
After the match, I congratulated Derby because the three points, they got it. A fantastic atmosphere they created in their stadium. Fantastic for a team that are in a tough position with everything that has happened with them this season. I recognise their quality.”
“It was two completely different halves. [After] the last home defeat, I expected a result from ourselves and we did it in the first half. The way we started the game, the way we controlled the game, the way we created chances, I think it’s a very good example of the way we prepared the game. It’s good to see when things happen on a match day.
We had some more chances in the second half to score a second goal to probably kill the game or create a different scenario for ourselves. We made a mistake, which was really tough at the level we are. In the one moment you decided to jump to press the goalkeeper and after they beat the pressure we had to kill the moment or win the ball or make a tactical foul. It was too easy the way they beat the pressure in that moment and they equalised.”
We fought back after the goal and created chances to swing the game in our favour but it just wasn’t meant to be on the night. We had the better chances, the most chances to win the game definitely. I think we have this obligation as well because we are top of the league for a reason and we had more chances, more shots, everything was more from ourselves but we lost the focus in three or four moments in the second half and they punished us.”
A another disappointing match ,we seem to be sliding backwards, i don’t understand how we were playing so well now its another story, c’mon get a grip .
In watching the match. We gave off the image of showboating somewhat. What it did show is a need for a serious overhaul(if) when we go up.
Muniz is never going to be a premiership forward. Some players reaching the end of their careers.
This is not to detract from what has been a brilliant season and a marvellous effort by the players and manager.
Just an observation.
Silva, unlike Parker, seems quite capable of strengthening the squad the way he wants. I trust him to improve the areas required without last minute panic buys and loans as has been done in the past. Derby played their hearts out for what was really only a stay of execution.
I don’t think Toisin is playing well.
Drawn out of position for first goal.
Two goals scored in middle of six yard box are not good.
Derby had to give everything, credit to them.
But we missed good chances too.
I agree with these comments…although against both of these last two teams and l watched all 4 games. Coventry just kept hitting us on the break and we didn’t cope with the intensity and Derby pressed when we appeared to switch off. We only took 1 point from the four games because they attacked us and we didn’t cope.
Yes we have had a good season with the best attacking and defensive stats but both teams are only mid ( Derby +21 points and Coventy below play off places) so the club still need to remodel if we are to stay in the top tier next year.
We have had an enjoyable season and lots of credit should go to the whole team set up. But if we are to stop being a yo yo team changes must be made as certain players are good championship players but not up to it for the premiership.
I have watched the whites since 1967 and have seen many managers on the way. We are not there yet but hope get the 3 points to secure promotion and a few more for the trophy. Come on Marco let’s finish off the year in style.
Very straightforward comments by Marco and I have to say that I agree with him after watching the match on Sky Sports. We seemed to be quite overwhelmed with the intensity of Derby’s reply to our 1st half and instead of making it even harder for them, we appeared to be like rabbits in car headlights, not actually knowing what to do, which will have to change dramatically if & when, hopefully we are promoted, as teams in the Premiership will exploit that kind of reaction ruthlessly. I fear that even though they’ve been brilliant for the majority of this season, a fair number of our current squad may not be joining us in the Premiership. It’s a shame, but we can’t afford to take chances if we don’t want to come straight back down again.
Needs to look at GK position. Neither gks command the six yard box.Too much punching which often could be caught. If they did certainly the first goal cross was cut out. Second looked out of position. Nearly gave away third. Poor game versus Coventry as well. A fair number of this squad haven’t shone in the Prem under either of the two previous managers. Parker didn’t rate Neeskins who maybe could.. Da Silva has improved Mitros all-round game and provided wing service which Parker didn’t. So likely a lot of current squad will be squad members next time assuming we close this out. The sooner the better. No question the style has been far better than Parker’s.
My opinion what is needed. Firstly for the next couple of matches start with Seri and Kebano. You cannot playnMitro and Muniz in the same team. Wilson after a terrific season has contributed very little in the last few matches. Give Stansfield and couple of the other youngsters time on the bench once promotion is confirmed. For next season we must get a quality goalkeeper at least one centre back, a left back and a midfielder with pace. A great season let’s finish off in style we need to score 5 goals to reach the 100 for the season which will be a tremendous achievement
It has been a great season but we now just need to get over the line. Against Preston please play Seri and Kebano they have been two of our mainstays this season. Bobby Decodova Reed is not a wide player. Cairney is not the automatic choice any more and should be on the bench. Rodak and Wilson seem to have completely lost confidence. I am not sure whom should play at left back. I fully concur about Jay Stansfield warranting a place on the substitutes bench. let us worry about next season once Promotion and hopefully the Championship is confirmed.