Chris analyses the 3-1 loss at Fulham
Huddersfield Town Manager Chris Powell cut a frustrated figure after Town’s 3-1 defeat at Fulham today.
The Terriers played some great stuff going forwards at times, but defensive lapses cost the side dearly in the Capital – particularly conceding within 60 seconds of equalising during the second-half.
“I’m extremely frustrated. We started the game ever so well, having one cleared off the line; it was all going according to plan. We know how Fulham like to play – straight down the middle – and we sorted that battle out.
“We created chances too; I think Harry Bunn should have had a penalty. A few things didn’t go our way, but we kept going.
“They then scored a goal from our throw-in. They have players who have played at a higher level and they showed it during that goal.
“After half-time, it was all us. We had some good passages of play and got in the final third, really putting Fulham on the back foot.
“Our big moment then came as we equalised, but then we fell asleep. We seemed to think that our work was done when there was obviously plenty more to go. At 1-1 you need to give yourselves a foothold and assess whether you take that from the game or go for another. We were in the ascendancy at that stage, but then they were buoyed by the second goal.
“You see it time and time again in football – you are at your weakest when you’ve just scored. So it proved today.
“We saw today how fine the margins are in the Championship – and we’ll see it again. Those moments can turn games in your favour or against you.
“We were chasing the game then – we had a lot of attacking players out there. With just under `10 minutes to go we went for it, but I don’t like seeing three scored against us again – it’s happening too much. That is an area we need to nail down.”
New loan signing Diego Poyet was an unused substitute on the afternoon, with Powell commenting:
“Diego only joined us at 6.30pm last night, so he wasn’t involved in any of our preparations. I would have loved to involve him, but now he can bed himself in and ensure he’s up to speed.”
Town now has to wait a fortnight until the next game – the Yorkshire derby at home to Sheffield Wednesday on 22 November.
“We like playing games and it’s a long time until we play Sheffield Wednesday. In some respects I’d love a game next Saturday because injury-wise we’re ok, but it has been a tough week.
“We’re quite disappointed in the end. After our performance against Forest and the way we performed at times against Derby and today, perhaps we should have got more from the three games.
“We had a really good run and the last two games have tainted it somewhat, but I’m still pleased with some aspects. There are some areas we need to really work and improve on, but what I like is that the players are taking things on board.
“We are up against a lot of teams with more money and experience, but we have more than enough here to push on and get to a better position than we find ourselves in. We have good users of the ball; players who can take opponents on; good finishers – we have a decent balance. We just have to get the balance right between attack and defence. We’re a work in progress.”