Marco Silva
Fulham coach Marco Silva would have liked to have seen a more comfortable win this Saturday lunchtime, but was satisfied nonetheless with the victory over Leeds United. An even first half gave way to a dominant Fulham performance in the second, with efforts from Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira ensuring João Palhinha’s own goal was a mere consolation for the visitors.
Marco Silva said: “Throughout the 99-100 minutes that we played this afternoon, we were the best team on the pitch. First half was much more balanced, definitely. Leeds came from two bad results and conceded 11 goals last two games, we knew that we should have control of the game, we planned really well the game to do that, to control that attack line. When we had those three players in the attack line, plus Harrison, behind the striker, we knew that we cannot let the game be broken and give them the chance to counter attack or to expose us in some fast attacks. We had our chances in some fast attacks but the last decision was not the best, but overall I think it was a balanced first half. The second half, we were clearly the best team on the pitch. We adjusted some things at half-time, some positions, some setups in our build up, some adjustments in our attack line as well, with the position of Andreas and Harrison Reed behind the striker. And I think we did it well. One of the things that we improved clearly second half, was the moments when they connect direct with the striker or the wingers, when we won our second balls. The two goals from ourselves started from that moment where we did well on the second ball, and after our quality came on top. We did really well for the first two goals – great finish from Harry, and after the moment from Andreas. Of course, we wish we could have scored even more goals, because we had two crossbars and more chances in the second half. It probably was a game for us to not suffer too much in the end, but the own goal gave them the belief. But overall, we were the best team, the players deserve to have this good feeling again to win at home at the Cottage with our fans, and we have to keep going.”
The icing on the cake was a return to action for Neeskens Kebano, who came on in stoppage time after six months out with an Achilles injury.
Marco Silva said: “Firstly, I’m really pleased for him. As you know, he is a popular guy in our football club, in our dressing room. When you have a player like him, always with a smile on his face, always in a good mood, it doesn’t matter if he got a bad injury or if he’s out two or three months, if he’s playing or not, he’s always in a good mood. And I like people like that. This is the first thing. He helped us really well last season, beginning of this season he was one of the players that started the season in the starting XI, and I’m pleased for him.”
