Smalling on Man City defeat: Fulham just ran out of time

Chris Smalling says Fulham players felt they could have pegged back Manchester City, but ran out of time in yesterday's defeat.

The Cottagers staged a second-half fight-back, but it wasn't enough to overcome City's 2-1 lead.

Defender Smalling told Fulhamfc.com: “When you look at our performance in the second-half, I think we definitely deserved something. It was a disappointing day for us and having made a slow start, it was always going to be tough to come back having conceded two goals.

“The first came after just seven minutes, and from a corner, which you never like to see. The second was a good move on their part on the counter, and I think maybe we could have done more there as well.

“It was back to the bread and butter of league football this afternoon, and unfortunately we couldn’t produce the same highs as we did against Juventus. I’m sure some would have expected that, but it’s hard to repeat that kind of performance.

“We won’t be using that as a reason for today, because this team is used to playing two games in a week. I certainly don’t think that City were any fitter, quicker or stronger.

“We were the better team in the second-half, which was a lot more positive and having had a lot of possession and a few chances, we gave it a good go but just fell a little short. It was one of those days where it just didn’t happen.

“It was one of those where you wish you could play for a bit longer, because I think a second goal was coming. We finished on top and could well have been awarded another penalty late on. I think it was decision that went against us, and if anything it was a clearer one than the first. But that happens in football – we just have to accept it and move on.”