Redknapp rues 'scandalous' goals following Fulham disaster

Posted Tuesday, April 02, 2013 by Goal.com

The QPR boss was unhappy with his side's defending in the west London derby defeat, and also chastised centre-back Chris Samba for "wandering up front" late in the game

QPR boss Harry Redknapp says the goals his side conceded in the 3-2 defeat to Fulham were "scandalous", and chastised centre-back Chris Samba after he "wandered up front" as they chased the game.

The former Tottenham manager said his side "murdered" Fulham in the second half of their defeat, and he could not see anything other than a QPR win as the match progressed.

"[The first half] was an absolute disaster," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "Then we got a goal back and absolutely murdered them.

"We missed another penalty and it cost us again. We had enough opportunities to win, and I could only see one winner. When it went to 3-2, I thought we'd win the game, and I wouldn't have take a draw at that time.

"We battered them. I imagine we had twice as many shots as them, twice as many shots on target.

"I was just disappointed in the last 10 minutes when they went down to 10 men, we suddenly stopped passing the ball and started kicking it up to Samba.

"He suddenly wandered up front and we started lumping balls up to him, and that's not how we play. We opened them up because we passed and moved the ball.

"When you've got the extra man you've got to make use of it. It's no good sticking a free man up front and hoping to hit him all day.

"You've got to pass it and work your opening and be patient until the right opportunity comes.

"For the last 10 minutes we didn't do that but for the previous 35 we did and we absolutely murdered them."

Fulham manager Martin Jol, however, felt his side were the better team and said that despite being "a little disappointed" with not putting the game to bed, he was happy to have all-but ensured another season in the Premier League.

"It was a great game for the spectators with two different halves," Jol added.

"The first half we played our football, gave the pressure with 3-1, and in the second half we probably made the mistakes they made in the first half.

"Three goals first half, then they scored and you always know they will smell blood. Their spirit was better in the second half and you shouldn't concede the second goal which we did.

"We needed [Mark Schwarzer] again to save a penalty. He's a fantastic goalkeeper. Overall, it's a bit disappointing if you're 3-0 up and then in the end still make it difficult for yourself.

"We always thought that the game against QPR would be vital and of course it still is vital because if you're on 36 points you still feel it is not enough, so hopefully it will be enough.

"We'll celebrate the three points. It was a rival, they've got a good team, but if you saw the first half I think we were the much better team so that was very pleasing."