Fulham boss impressed by Mitrovic as striker nets Cottagers a point
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 by PA
Slavisa Jokanovic was full of praise for Aleksandar Mitrovic after the Serbian striker’s first goal for Fulham earned a deserved point at Ashton Gate.
The Cottagers boss emerged satisfied following a 1-1 draw in a physical encounter with Bristol City.
Mitrovic fired the visitors in front after 14 minutes, reacting quicker than City defenders to a cleverly angled ball towards the six-yard box from Cyrus Christie and planting the ball past Frank Fielding from close range.
But Lee Johnson’s men levelled after 35 minutes as Bobby Reid’s neat one-two with Josh Brownhill inside the penalty area saw the striker create space to beat Marcus Bettinelli with a left-footed finish from a narrow angle.
Jokanovic said: “It was a battle tonight. Sometimes I wasn’t sure what a foul was because so much was happening, but we do not complain about referees.”
Speaking of his goalscorer, who joined on loan from Newcastle last month, Jokanovic said: “Mitrovic needs time on the pitch, but I am very pleased with what I have seen of him so far. He offers us something different and will contribute even more in time.
“I am happy with all my players because they gave everything. Sometimes you cannot play the football you want to in matches and that was the case tonight.
“When that happens you have to show something else. The whole team displayed the right attitude and I don’t want to single out anyone because it would not be fair.
“We are in a good place at the moment and can look ahead with confidence.”
A draw was a fair result from a game that did both promotion contenders credit and City assistant head coach Dean Holden had few complaints.
He said: “At times the ball just wouldn’t drop for us. We created some great situations, but just didn’t get the break where it mattered.
“Fulham are a top side and it required a fantastic physical effort from our lads to stay with them.
“There have been suggestions that our cup exertions this season have taken a toll. But I was watching carefully and I couldn’t see any sign of players flagging.
“We are right in there challenging and it’s a fantastic position to be in. Now we take on Cardiff City in what is always an exciting contest and I only wish I were playing myself.
“There is a tremendous spirit in the camp, which will keep us going. It promises to be a memorable end to the season.”
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