- Published3 minutes ago
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa, spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's draw at Aston Villa:"Yes, of course [being pleased with his team's performance] especially in the second half. We were more aggressive, we controlled the tempo of the game, we had so many chances to score some goals, but in the end we couldn't take the chances.
"I am happy because we knew before the match how difficult it would be to win here.Manchester Citylost here one week ago and they are a Champions League team with a fantastic coach so, for me I'm really proud of my players because they showed ambition and character, and we played our way, which is the most important thing."
On Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki:"He is a fantastic keeper, and I think he did really well tonight. He was unlucky in our goal but he saved two or three goals for Villa before."
On being defensively solid:"I think we are deciding when to press better when we want to be aggressive, we are controlling the transition, and we are much better organised when we have the ball. It's important for us because we are a team that want to play in the opposite half with the ball creating chances, but you know in the Premier League how quick the other attacking players are and you need to control the transitions, second balls. I think we are growing, and improving as a team every week and this is the way."
On Fulham's three game unbeaten run:"For me, what's important is how we played against a Champions League team in their stadium. My players are believing in the way that we play, and they are fighting, they are improving, they are working. I think we are starting a long journey I hope, I think we will improve, we can do better and for that we will work everyday."
On saying thank you to supporters:"For me it's really important because we are here for them. This club belongs to them, they are so important, they are travelling so we can feel their support behind us. Today was a good night for everyone because we did well, and I hope they are proud of the team."
Fulham midfielder Shea Charles, spoke to Sky Sports:"You could feel a shift in the second half. The way the goal came wasn't how we deserved it really, but positive signs. We could've won the game in the end, but a really good away performance."
On the message from Arbeloa:"It was just to play how we can play. I thought we started quite slow. Giving the ball away in areas we didn't want to. I feel like them right where we wanted them on the press, but then they'd win a duel and be in on goal. I think when we tightened up and recycled the ball and started to play through them, we played really well."
On teammate Calvin Bassey:"Top player. I don't want to big him up too much, but he's a really good leader. Especially for me coming into the league in my first season. There is no one better to have at the back."
Did you know?
Fulham have avoided defeat away to Aston Villa in the Premier League for the first time since April 2014 under Felix Magath (2-1 win), with the Cottagers losing each of their last five visits to Villa Park in the top-flight.
