Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson - Counter cost us
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that an attack-minded approach and tiredness in the ranks contributed to the 3-1 defeat to neighbours Chelsea.
The Cottagers played some fine football at times, but were often found wanting when Chelsea regained possession and set off on the counter-attack.
In the end, the home side could have scored more as Fulham faded, but Hodgson was nonetheless happy to see his side looking competitive against one of the league's best outfits.
"We paid a high price for leaving ourselves exposed to counter-attacks," Hodgson conceded to Sky Sports.
"Having got back into the game at 1-1, the last thing we wanted was another quick goal from Chelsea to put them back in the ascendancy, and what we needed even less was an early goal in the second half to give them a two-goal cushion.
"The season is beginning to catch up with us and we always feared that that would be the case and against a team of Chelsea's quality unfortunately those things get found out
"On the day Chelsea were the better team and deserved to win and I'm pleased at least the margin of victory stayed at two goals."
Europa hopes
With near rivals West Ham, Man City and Tottenham all picking up victories in their games, Fulham have now slipped to ninth place in the Premier League standings and out of the Europa League spot.
Trailing by a point with three games to go, Fulham need results to go their way in order to clinch seventh place and the shot at a European campaign next season, but Hodgson believes it would be a good experience for his side if they can do it.
"It would be nice to try and find out," he added, when questioned over his side's ability to cope with a longer fixture schedule next year.
"I don't think we would make vast changes as a result of it. We wouldn't be doubling the size of our squad, but it would be nice if we could get there.
"But I'll be happy if we can finish in the top ten."
