Clint Dempsey's headed equaliser against Aston Villa on Saturday took his tally to 10 goals this season and the US international star was evidently delighted to have earned Fulham a point following another away performance full of character and resilience.
“It’s the first time I’ve got into double digits since I’ve been over here,” Dempsey told fulhamfc.com. “I’ve come close a few times and it’s good to better myself each season. It’s good to finally get into that number of goals and hopefully I can push on and finish the season strong.
“It was a tough game on Saturday but it’s always tough at Villa Park. They’ve got a lot of players with pace and you have to work hard defensively but I thought the game opened up in the second half.
“We showed a lot of character to come from behind twice to get a point and I think our position is looking better now. Hopefully we can continue this run of form and finish the season strongly and build for next year."
Following this week's international matches, Dempsey and company return to action on Monday for arguably the most highly anticipated match of the season, when Fulham take on Chelsea at Craven Cottage.
Mark Hughes' side are evidently full of confidence at the moment and Dempsey believes if Fulham can produce their top form on Valentine's Day, the points are there to be won.
“We’re confident in our play - we’ve got players returning to full fitness and there’s good competition for spots," Dempsey explained. "I think we’re going to push on and our mindset is to be looking up and not down the table.
"Hopefully we can get something out of the game against Chelsea and we’ll do our best. We’ll go out there and work hard – we know if we play to our best we’re capable of getting points.”
Tickets are selling fast for Fulham's Valentine's Day derby match against Chelsea at Craven Cottage (KO 8pm). Secure your seat now and don't miss out on this SW6 derby under floodlights.|