Cool Dimitar Berbatov not nervy over QPR fightback

 
Getty
2 April 2013

Dimitar Berbatov says he was never concerned about QPR's comeback or Fulham's Premier League survival following their 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.

The Whites were three up before QPR claimed two goals to ensure a nervous finish.

Fulham won a penalty in the eighth minute when Chris Samba brought down Ashkan Dejagah inside the area, with Dimitar Berbatov scoring the resulting spot-kick.

Berbatov scored his second after 22 minutes when Samba lost possession and the Bulgarian took full advantage to notch for his 13th goal of the season - his sixth in his last six matches.

An own goal from Clint Hill made it three in what an awful first half defensive display for the visitors, before Adel Taarabt scored just before the break for Rangers.

Giorgos Karagounis brought down Taarabt three minutes after the restart but Loic Remy's spot-kick was kept out by Mark Schwarzer.

Remy made amends minutes later to make it 3-2, before Steve Sidwell saw red for a late challenge on Armand Traore with 12 minutes left.

QPR could not create another meaningful chance and, with seven games left are seven points behind fourth-bottom Wigan, who they face on Sunday.

Fulham, meanwhile, are safe in 10th with 39 points.

"We have always been safe, I don't think anyone should worry - we play good football," Berbatov told Sky Sports 1. "I was not nervous, we almost threw the game away, we had a comfortable lead.

"Maybe when they scored their second goal they believed. We held our lead we should score more, but three points is good for us."

His manager Martin Jol was pleased with the three points but disappointed his side let the visitors back into the match.

"It was a great game for the spectators," he said. "Overall it was a bit disappointing at 3-0 up and then you make it difficult for yourself.

"The Sidwell sending off I thought was a bit harsh, that was difficult for us. It was a bit unfortunate."

Fulham are virtually guaranteed Premier League football next season and Jol is looking up the table, not down.

"Hopefully 39 will be enough, but it is tough you can still go down. Hopefully we can go a bit higher but first we will celebrate the three points."

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