Parker: We knew how to ‘hurt’ struggling Reds
FULHAM BOSS PRAISES PLAYERS AFTER THEIR ANFIELD WIN
SCOTT Parker has explained how his plan to “hurt” Liverpool worked to perfection at Anfield on Sunday.
Mario Lemina scored the only goal as the relegation-threatened Cottagers earned a comfortable 1-0 triumph over the Premier League champions.
The winner came at the end of a first half in which the visitors created a number of chances with Ademola Lookman continually breaking clear down the left flank.
And when asked if Fulham had looked to threaten the Reds with long balls over the top to turn another makeshift defence, the Fulham boss said: “I picked a team today that I felt would best suit Liverpool’s style and how I thought we could hurt Liverpool, and that was the sole reason behind it.
“The attacking players were nothing short of fantastic and everything we worked on went to plan.
“We stretched the game and were always a goal threat. For large parts of the first half we had a dominance and control. We dominated the ball and created numerous chances and moved the ball through the lines really well. The attacking side I want us to be was there and we got our noses in front with some good skill from Mario.”
Fulham easily withstood Liverpool’s efforts to equalise during a one-sided second half in which a header from substitute Sadio Mane that struck the post was the nearest the home side came to scoring.
And Parker added: “I thought we were fantastic really in both halves, although the dynamics of each were different. The players have taken on every ounce of information they were given in the days leading up to this game.
“They worked tirelessly in meetings and on the training field, and put that into action in the first half.
“The second half needed resilience and we withstood a real storm despite them not having that many chances. You understand coming to a place like Anfield and the quality they possess, you are going to have to be organised and disciplined, win headers and be in your box.
“I thought the organisation was top as well. A massive result and I’m proud of them.”