After a hard-fought encounter at Villa Park on Saturday, Fulham goalscorer Andrew Johnson said his side were deserving of their point.
The Whites twice came from behind with Clint Dempsey adding to Johnson’s brave header in what proved to be a positive afternoon for Mark Hughes’ side against an in-form Villa.
“This is a difficult place to come,” AJ told fulhamfc.com. “They have a strong squad and have recently added to that with some top players. So to come from behind twice against a side like Aston Villa is obviously fantastic and highlighted the commitment that we have here.
“We worked hard for the point and I think we saw what can be achieved by pulling together, never giving up and staying positive. It was entertaining game for sure.”
Johnson claimed his second goal of the season to the backdrop of a chorus of boos, with the former Birmingham City man stooping bravely to nod in a leveller on 52 minutes after Brad Friedel parried Steve Sidwell’s stinging strike.
“It was a difficult one because initially I was going to volley it,” he said. “But then I realised I wouldn’t get there. So I had to adjust my feet and managed to head it against the floor. I had to do that because Friedel was well placed and would have got it had I not done that.
“Luckily enough it went where I wanted, and it goes without saying that I was delighted to get us back into the game and to get myself on the score sheet. I’ve scored two goals in four games now, so I am very pleased.
“And as for the boos, well, I take it as a compliment really. It’s nothing personal and it’s all a bit of banter isn’t it? That comes from playing for their rivals Birmingham, so it was to be expected. You just have to get on with it, and fortunately I managed to play my part.”
The 29-year-old is enjoying a fine run of form of late and this was another performance that underlined his undoubted talent as well as doing much to put an injury ravaged 18 months behind him.
“I feel sharp and I’m really enjoying my football again,” explained AJ. “I was out for a long time and I missed it so much. You don’t realise how much you miss it until something like that happens to you and I’m just making the most of it.
“I’m happy with how things are going for me, but the main thing is that the team is doing very well as well. That’s important, especially in terms of climbing the table. I’m delighted really.
“We have been working really hard and we have some tough games coming up now. Our next match is against Chelsea at Craven Cottage a week Monday and we’ll go away now and prepare accordingly.”