Animal magic from ace Mitrovic
FULHAM manager Scott Parker branded Aleksandar Mitrovic an ‘animal’ and saluted his side’s character after they bounced back to winning ways at Birmingham City.
The Cottagers climbed to sixth and are seven points behind leaders West Brom after Mitrovic’s 12th goal of the season silenced the Blues booboys.
The Serbian striker, who had an effort disallowed and was booked for his part in a flare-up with Jude Bellingham, hooked home in the 52nd minute after home keeper Lee Camp dropped substitute Cyrus Christie’s cross.
Parker said: “I just saw it as heat of the moment, and they just squared up – it’s handbags really.”
Parker, though, was delighted with the contribution of Mitrovic.
“He looks like an absolute animal, chasing things down, and if that is the base, the goals will come,” said the Fulham boss. “That’s what we want from him – he is the talisman, the guy everyone looks to and the pressure is on him. He needs to understand what he gives to the team.
“For all his goals, for everything that goes round him, all I ask of him is forget the goals, just go and turn up and be the Mitrovic he can be.”
Parker was also delighted with the character of his team after they bounced back from a 3-0 home defeat to Hull City.
“We came here and showed real character in tough conditions and were worthy winners,” he added.
“First and foremost you must show character, desire and passion and if you have that, you will be all right, because there’s no doubt we have technical, gifted players.”
Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak made superb saves from Lukas Jutkiewicz’s pointblank header, Kristian Pedersen’s early angled drive and Fran Villalba’s flick as Blues were sentenced to a second successive defeat.
Mitrovic also had an effort disallowed for offside, Bobby Reid’s snapshot was smothered by Camp, while Fulham sub Aboubakar Kamara’s shot hit the inside of a post late on.
Mitrovic remained centre stage as he gave Fulham the lead in controversial fashion.
Blues caretaker head coach Pep Clotet felt his team was hard done by.
He said: “We had 16 shots, they had 10, we had four shots on target, they had three and from these three, two were valid, because I think the goal is a blatant foul on Marc Roberts. Mitrovic never wanted to head that cross – he thought the keeper was going to catch it and he just bashes against Marc, who had the position won.
“Roberts was sent three yards outside then the ball dropped to Mitrovic, who was in that position thanks to a foul, so it’s a clear foul.
“But those are margins. We had very clear chances as well that we should have scored.
“We didn’t have as many shots as Cardiff, but we were playing a very good team.
“I thought we had everything there to have secured points, if not three then one.”