Scotty’s got a clear head
SCOTT PARKER says Fulham have finally got over their Premier League hangover after leaving Charlton with sore heads.
Fulham were cannonfodder in the top-flight but it promises to be a different story this season.
Twice they came from behind and they laid siege late on before having to settle for a draw in this pulsating London derby.
Fulham are now unbeaten in six games and boss Parker said: “The hangover from last year was still there early in the season but in the last two or three weeks I feel the tide is firmly with us.
“We’re 11 games down but I like where we are. We’re a very good side. Along the way there will still be some bumps.
“A year ago a bump would flatten us. We need to understand that when the bumps come we need to be man enough to stand up to them.”
Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher put the Addicks ahead in the 41st minute before sub Ivan Cavaleiro hauled Fulham level with a fine strike 10 minutes after the restart.
Macauley Bonne’s header put the visitors back in front two minutes later before but Aleksandar Mitrovic smashed home from close range in the 63rd minute as Fulham levelled again.
Bobby Decordova-reid and Mitrovic both came close to a winner, but Charlton survived the onslaught to claim a point.
Parker added: “I’m probably a little bit disappointed we’ve not come out of this one winners in the end.
“I thought they caused us problems in the first half and were worthy of a one-goal lead. The game was pretty stretched and we looked like we lacked a little bit of energy.
“But second half we changed it around and we had a couple of glorious chances and the keeper has pulled off a world-class save.”
Charlton chief Lee Bowyer hailed teenage midfielder Gallagher, who scored his fourth goal since his summer switch from Stamford Bridge.
Bowyer said: “He’s surprised me, but I think he’s surprised everyone.
“He’s surprising Chelsea as well as they didn’t know how far he could go.
“For a 19-year-old kid who hasn’t played men’s football before, Chelsea are delighted with him.” FULHAM CHARLTON 7 ........ Shots on Target ......... 5 9 ........ Shots off Target ......... 3 8 ................Corners ................. 6 12 ................. Fouls ................... 14 1 ................ Offsides .................. 1 83.3 . Passing Success % ... 60.9 528....... Total Passes ......... 233 69.9..... Possession % .......30.1 52.3..Territorial Adv % ... 47.7