Fulham keeper satisfied with personal displays – but priority is better results

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Alphonse Areola has been happy with his performances since joining Fulham – but his priority is points and not plaudits.

The Whites have struggled since promotion to the Premier League but the 27-year-old Frenchman, signed on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has made a string of impressive stops.

Areola has started the last seven top-flight matches and kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over West Brom at the start of the month.

Fulham resume action after the international break with the visit of Everton to Craven Cottage on Sunday.

“I’m trying to do my best,” said Areola. “We didn’t get the result we wanted [a 1-0 loss at West Ham last time out] but we are improving. We still need to improve but we’ll fight until the end. I am playing well but I prefer to win. It’s fine, I have to do my job. But I prefer the team wins. Every day I’m coming here with a smile and happy to be here.”

Fulham follow up their home clash against the Toffees with a trip to Leicester City. After that is Manchester City away followed by reigning champions Liverpool in west London.

“We don’t have all the players here [because of international duty] but when they come back we will be prepared,” said Areola. “These games will be good challenges. They are great teams but we need to fight.”

Aleksandar Mitrovic failed to convert from the spot as Serbia lost to Scotland in a penalty shootout – the Fulham striker’s effort proving decisive as his country failed to reach Euro 2020.

Mitrovic said he was back as the Whites’ designated taker after Ademola Lookman’s woeful effort against West Ham.