Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson craves Fulham praise
Roy Hodgson believes Fulham's achievements against the top four this season is cause for celebration at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers have made marked improvements on their struggles last season and reignited the title race prior to the international break with a 2-0 win over Manchester United.
With Fulham having taken seven points from three home games against United, Arsenal and Chelsea to date, next up are Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Only a single point now separates United from Liverpool, their closest rivals who triumphed 4-1 at Old Trafford last month.
"One is tempted to say players aren't more motivated against the big teams because every match in the Premiership is of such vital importance," said Hodgson.
"But when the eyes of the world are upon you these games add further inspiration. Inspiration is a better word than motivation.
"After our good results over the last few weeks and bearing in mind we've seen what Liverpool have achieved, we've been inspired to look forward to the game.
"We want to make sure that when the final whistle blows people are saying Liverpool are a very good team but Fulham can play too."
United and Arsenal have both left Craven Cottage with their heads bowed this season while Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw, but Hodgson is cautious over casting Fulham as giant-killers.
"There's an element of hazard when looking at results. We've taken nothing against Hull. On both occasions we felt robbed," he said.
"On the other hand we have four points against Arsenal this season but that could easily have been zero.
"We've been pretty consistent throughout the 30 games we've played and given ourselves a chance of getting something in each match.
"But the feeling you get when you take points from the top four is the best.
"It's a lot to ask for us to get back-to-back wins against top-four sides because we've had important players playing internationals on Saturday and Wednesday.
"I can only hope that the memories of the last game and the good feeling we got from it will motivate the players to go out and reproduce that performance."
