Right-back Stephen Kelly has hailed the character and resilience of Fulham after they came from behind to see off in-form Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Monday evening.
A goal from Laurent Koscielny gave the visitors a 21st minute lead, while an incredible double save from David Stockdale kept out Aaron Ramsey and then Alex Song.
Johan Djourou was dismissed for the Gunners, before former Arsenal man Steve Sidwell headed in an equaliser and Bobby Zamora volleyed home to complete a stirring second-half display.
“I think even before they [Arsenal] had a man sent off, that we were on top and in the ascendency,” said Kelly to fulhamfc.com. “We absolutely dominated the second-half and were on top for the majority of it. For me, we were the most likely of the two sides to add to the scoring – and we did.
“Steve levelled with five minutes remaining and that sparked an incredible end to the game, it was one of those memorable Cottage performances for us. When Bobby scored in injury time the ground erupted – it was an amazing result and one that I thought we deserved.
“We know that we could have done better in the first-half and Arsenal will argue that they should have taken more. We had to hold firm at times, and there were some crucial tackles and blocks made. Of course, Stocko made a couple of terrific saves as well and we showed a lot of resilience to turn it around.
“I think we showed a great resolve and team spirit to come back like we did – and that was so important. At 1-0 our heads could have dropped, but we made sure that didn’t happen and kept on right until the end to underline just what we are capable of with what was a magnificent win.”
Our late win may have left a bitter taste for the visitors, but Fulham have more than had their fair share of bad fortune this term with nine of our last 21 goals conceded coming in the 88th minute or later.
“Too many times it has been us on the receiving end of a late defeat or a late goal,” added Kelly. “So it made a nice change. We have been very unlucky at times and results certainly haven’t gone our way – but against Arsenal it did and hopefully that is a sign that our luck has changed.
“It was an amazing end to what was a really exciting game of football, and I think everyone could tell what it meant to the players. The fans were great too, and the noise that they made created an incredible atmosphere. That support filters down to the pitch so they certainly played their part.
“We had a tough run of games over the Christmas period and started the New Year with a difficult game too, but seven points from the games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal is very pleasing.
“Throw in the defeat of Bolton and we have done really well, although we do feel that we should have taken more from the defeat at Swansea and the draw at Norwich. Of course, the big blip came against Manchester United and that was a disappointing loss for all of us.
“The game against United was our last at the Cottage prior to the win against Arsenal - we were determined to bounce back and fortunately we did. We ended the year feeling confident and we have now made an excellent start to 2012, so let’s keep that run going.”
The Republic of Ireland international has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season and having started seven of the last nine games the 28-year-old is currently enjoying a rich vein of form; his defending has been dogged, while his ability to break forward has offered Fulham a valuable attacking outlet.
“I’m enjoying my football and I am pleased with how things are going,” said Kelly. “It’s good to have a regular run in the team and I like to think I am showing what I am capable of. It goes without saying that I hope I can continue to do that.
“We have Charlton up next at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup and that’s a game that hopefully I am part of too. It’s a competition that every player wants to be part of and having gone out of the Europa League we want to do as well as possible.
“I know that the Manager wants to go far and the players feel the same. When I look at some of the teams that have made the Final over the years, with the squad that we have, I can see no reason why we can’t do the same.
“Charlton are a good side though and we will be well aware of what they are capable of too. It should be a good game, and we know that if we play as well as we know we can that we could get the result that we need. After beating Arsenal, we want to keep that run going for as long as possible.”
