Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa expressed his mixed emotions after Fulham were held to a draw by Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
The Whites looked to be heading for victory after an own goal put them ahead, but a late deflected strike from Matheus Cunha meant Fulham were left waiting for their first Premier League win of the season.
“I’m very upset with the result because we were so close, and the way that we conceded the goal at the end of the game is really frustrating,” the Head Coach explained.
“But we need to continue. We knew that this month was going to be hard against top teams—Liverpool away, Sunderland away, Manchester United, Chelsea at home. So I think we are improving game by game.
“My players are doing a great job. They did really well against a tough team like Man United. We knew also that they were under pressure, that they needed the victory, so I think we did so well, and the victory was so close.”
It took an hour for the deadlock to be broken, but the Whites could have taken the lead much earlier after creating a number of first-half chances.
“We had a top team with really top players in front of us, and I think they are playing better than people are saying. But we did really well, and also when we had the ball, we created so many chances that we could have scored more goals.
“But at the end, I think we performed so well. We had a good game, and I think we are improving. And if we play in that way, I think the victories will come.”
Fulham have arguably deserved more than the two points they have accrued from their opening five league games, with the first international break of the campaign providing Arbeloa with an opportunity to reflect.
“Now we have three weeks where my players are out, but it’s the same for every team. When they are back, we will be back working and continue improving.
“I’m so proud of my players. I know that we have only two points, but in the long term, when you are playing in this way, I think you will get what you deserve.”