Mark Hughes hails Fulham’s ‘outstanding’ season after draw with Arsenal

Mark Hughes – Fulham

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Mark Hughes has hailed his side’s ‘outstanding’ season after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal which led to Fulham finishing eighth in the Premier League table.

Steve Sidwell’s opener and Bobby Zamora’s header sandwiched Robin van Persie’s equaliser and looked to have secured all three points for the Cottagers on the final day of the season, but substitute Theo Walcott levelled matters again in the final minute.

Fulham were chasing a seventh place finish at the start of the day – potentially equalling what is their highest ever league finish – though the Cottagers’ boss feels that though they could have got more from the game, an eighth place finish is more than respectable.

“We were a little disappointed not to be able to hold onto the lead,” Hughes told reporters.

“Prior to that, we played really well today. We looked strong and accomplished, got our noses in front and it would have bee great to finish on a winning note because we have been excellent this season.

“Certainly in the second half of the season, we have done well enough to get eighth position in the hardest league in world football in my view.

“For a club of this size and stature, that’s an outstanding achievement.”

Fulham held Arsenal at bay for long periods of the game and were perhaps deserving of the win, yet their task was made considerably more difficult when Zoltan Gera was dismissed just four minutes after coming off the bench for a reckless lunge on Thomas Vermaelen.

Gera’s rush of blood to the head could have implications extending beyond today, potentially jeopardising Fulham’s entry into next season’s Europa League courtesy of the club’s high standing in the Fair Play league.

Hughes revealed that the club are due to find out whether they will be accepted into the Europa League this Friday.

“We need to know one way or the other,” he said.

“Because we will have to be back in three weeks once we know. 

“I’m hopeful that the red card won’t have too much impact, because it’s factored out over 38 games, I hope it hasn’t cost us, but I think we deserve to have some achievement this year.

“Eighth position in itself is amazing, but if we can also have European football, this season will be viewed as outstanding.

“European football can help attract players to your club as well and we have the intention and the will to do well in the competition.”