Crystal Palace’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Fulham left opposing manager Alvaro Arbeloa frustrated after his side failed to convert its opportunities in the London derby.
Arbeloa said Fulham had been determined to reach the next round, describing the occasion as important for both the club and its supporters. However, he felt Palace repeated the approach that had already brought them victory against Fulham several weeks earlier.
According to the Fulham boss, Palace remained patient, defended strongly and waited for an error before taking advantage. He suggested that the visitors created very little on the night but made their opportunity count, while Fulham were left to regret failing to score from three or four clear chances.
Arbeloa acknowledged that his team must improve when facing a deep defensive block. He said Fulham needed to circulate the ball more quickly, create more openings in wide areas and develop a clearer understanding of how to break down a Palace side defending in that manner.
