Fulham Head Coach Scott Parker took to the media after seeing his side secure their first win post-lockdown. The main thing that pleased the Gaffer was the response he saw after falling behind inside a minute.
“The result was key tonight,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve got what we deserved against Brentford and Leeds. For large parts of both games, our performance was exceptional, but the team gets judged on wins and losses. After two losses, it was key that we got the result.
“QPR are a well-drilled team. We knew coming here would be very difficult and they were very aggressive.
“We showed character. To go a goal down early was very disappointing. It was poor and sloppy from us. The first goal is key, and we’ve struggled this season when we go a goal down, so to not drop our heads and to take the game to QPR was pleasing. We deserved to get our noses in front.
“We worked on our set-up in a short period of time and it worked really well and caused them a few problems.
“There’ll be many more twists and turns in this division. Games come thick and fast. We just need to keep putting in performances and keep getting results. We need to stick to our process and if we do that, we’ll keep the pressure on.”
Fulham faced their first game without Aleksandar Mitrovic following his three-game ban, and Scott was pleased with the way the rest of his squad stepped up.
“Mitro will be a big loss,” he continued. “There’s a big responsibility now, but I’m pleased that the players have come in and got the win. There’s no hiding from the fact that we haven’t got a recognised forward in the squad other than Aleks, so the way the players took to the structure was spot on. I felt we had a fluidity and looked a threat.
“As disappointed as we are to lose Aleks, it’s an opportunity for others. We need those attacking players to step up. We’re aware every game is different. Like always, we adapted to give us options. There’s another side to us and we’ll have to play a different way, but I know we can do that.”
Cyrus Christie has been in and out of the starting XI for most parts this season but, when called upon, has delivered. Tonight was no different as Scott was full of praise for the Republic of Ireland defender.
“Cyrus did exceptionally well. Cyrus has had to sit and wait on occasions this year, and he’s maybe felt it’s been a bit unfair, but he deserved to get the winner due to his reaction and professionalism. The way he trains puts him in a position to earn that moment, and I’m very pleased for him.”
The lads will take stock and recover for the visit of Birmingham on Saturday, hoping to make it back-to-back wins.