Fulham centre-back Chris Smalling insists fixture congestion had no bearing on their defeat to Man City.
Fulham player refuses to blame fixture congestion for City loss
Fulham centre-back Chris Smalling insists fixture congestion had no bearing on their defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Roy Hodgson's men dropped crucial Premier League points when they fell 2-1 to City, just three days after their thrilling 4-1 Europa League victory over Juventus.
The Blues dominated the first half, with Roque Santa Cruz posting a seventh-minute opener before Carlos Tevez netted his 22nd goal of the season in the 36th minute.
Danny Murphy converted a 75th minute penalty to keep Fulham in the game, but the visitors held on to deny the hosts any hope of edging a point.
The Cottagers face another test against Tottenham in the FA Cup quarter-final at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, but Smalling insists their taxing schedule is causing no problems.
Reason
"We won't be using that as a reason (for losing to City) because this team is used to playing two games in a week," said Smalling.
"I certainly don't think that City were any fitter, quicker or stronger.
"We were the better team in the second half, which was a lot more positive and having had a lot of possession and a few chances, we gave it a good go but just fell a little short.
"It was one of those days where it just didn't happen."
