MX23RW : Tuesday, December 24 16:28:31| >> :120:10515:10515:
[monks data]
Chelsea logo
Premier League | Gameweek 34
May 1, 2021 at 5.30pm UK
Stamford Bridge
Fulham logo

Chelsea
2 - 0
Fulham

Havertz (10', 49')
Zouma (41'), Aina (90+4')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Scott Parker refusing to give up on survival

Scott Parker refusing to give up on survival
© Reuters
The Cottagers are seven points adrift of safety.

Fulham boss Scott Parker insists he will "keep banging that drum" in a bid to instil belief in his players that they can avoid relegation.

The Cottagers face an uphill battle to avoid the drop, sitting seven points adrift of safety having conceded in the final moments of their last two matches.

Parker's men were dealt a cruel blow at the Emirates in their last outing, having been on the verge of their first-ever away win over Arsenal until the Gunners scored a last-gasp equaliser.

That draw followed a last-minute home loss to Wolves in the match before, but Parker believes it is not over as his side prepare for the short trip to Chelsea on Saturday looking for a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

"The reason I believe is because it's so close, as in the games are so close," Parker said.

"I know that (the last-minute defeats are) going to have an effect, I'm not going to lie to you, that has an effect, it's going to have an effect on the players.

"I get that in another game's time or two games, because we can no longer say there's a lot of games left of course that's not the case, but certainly can we go to Chelsea, like we went to Arsenal and Everton and get a result or be in this game and try and get something?

"I believe we can, and if we do, like West Brom did, is our picture changed? Yes.

"It's my job to keep banging that drum and however I try and get that mindset to change in a player – certainly (if) my players (do think it's over) I need to try and change that mindset if that is the case, and I don't believe it is.

"Maybe there's a few (who think that), of course there is, because the disappointment of what's happened, not just over the last few games, but in parts of this season, some people are different, some people are a little bit weaker in those moments, some people will look at the more pessimistic side than the optimistic side."

Fulham did not have a game last weekend, but both Burnley and Newcastle secured victories which increased the gap between the Cottagers and safety.

"It's been a frustrating (fortnight) certainly," Parker admitted.

"The back end of it has not, but certainly the early part of the aftermath of the game at Arsenal and the way that ended really was a hard one to take for everyone and was a difficult one.

"Of course, like anything in this game and what we're in, the next opportunity then comes. Two weeks has been a long time, but a big challenge now when the next game comes, and we need to be ready for that."

ID:445345: cacheID:445345:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3789:
Written by
P A
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne pictured on January 10, 2021
Read Next:
Kevin De Bruyne: 'Semi-final tie is far from finished'
>
Read more about Scott Parker Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!