‘We’ve not been good enough in all three games’
FULHAM LOSE THIRD MATCH IN A ROW IN PREMIER RETURN
SCOTT Parker admits Fulham need to address their shortcomings after owner Tony Khan apologised to fans after a humbling 3-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Monday, making it three losses out of three.
Jack Grealish struck his first Premier League goal of the season to give Villa a fourth-minute lead, before Conor Hourihane followed it up just over 10 minutes later.
Fulham’s defensive issues were on full show as Tyrone Mings struck just after half-time to seal the three points, before the home side had a Bobby Decordova-Reid goal ruled out by VAR.
Cottagers owner Khan took to Twitter straight after the full-time whistle to apologise for his team’s display and also promised to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
When asked about Khan’s comments, head coach Parker said: “I think in terms of defending we weren’t good enough tonight and we’ve not been good enough for the first three games this season.
“We need to address that, I think we all know we need to address that.
“It was an area we’ve certainly brought up and it’s an area that everyone at the football club hopefully can see as well to be fair.
“I thought we played very, very well for large parts, but the first time they came into our box they scored, and the second time they scored another goal and you just can’t give up goals like we have and expect to win games in this division.
“I think you see that at the other end for them.
“We got up to their goal pretty well but they defended it.”
On Khan’s tweet regarding difficulties in signing players, Parker said: “I wouldn’t know. I honestly wouldn’t know. I think the people in the places to be at this football club make those decisions.
“I’ve highlighted where I think we need to improve. I’ve highlighted that straight after [the play-off final]. Not just defenders, just where we need to improve in this team.”
Villa boss Dean Smith praised the defensive solidity of his side and believes his players are full of confidence following their fine run of form to avoid relegation last season.
“You’ve got to find a balance in football and sometimes the balance is a desire to keep the ball out of the back of the net, and the players have certainly found that at the moment,” Smith told Sky Sports.
“We had to work extremely hard to retain our Premier League status.
“We had a great run and conceded very few goals over the last few games.
“But this was always going to be a tough game for us - our first away game this season and Fulham fighting for their first points.”