Meling strike earns FCK point at home to OB
Birger Meling finally broke the deadlock for F.C. Copenhagen against OB on Monday to level the scores in a pulsating Superliga showdown in Parken that finished 1-1.
The Lions found themselves a goal down through Noah Ganaus' first-half strike on the break, but eventually clawed back a point through full-back Meling, who pounced on a rebound on 79 minutes.
And while boss Bo Svensson was frustrated to come away with a draw after dominating the game, he was proud of his players' efforts.
"I think the performance itself was excellent today, but it is obviously disappointing that we only managed a draw," said Svensson.
"We started the match really well and created plenty of chances. We should have been leading by a couple of goals before we let them back into the game following an individual error by Asger. And before the break, we had further opportunities to score.
"In the second half, we also squandered far too many chances – even in the sequence leading up to Birger’s equaliser, we really should have scored earlier. We lack a bit of quality inside the box, and our delivery from crosses isn't always consistent. Plus, OB have a good goalkeeper who made several saves.
"So, it’s a combination of factors that prevented us from securing the win that I feel our play deserved.
"Had we scored the opening goal, I believe the match would have unfolded differently. This is the kind of game we would likely win eight times out of ten."
The Lions sit second in the Superliga table, having taken just two wins from three games. And while the recent domestic form doesn't read too well, Svensson is still positive when looking at the broader picture.
"I believe our performances, both today and in Herning, warranted more than the one point and zero points we actually took," he said.
"We are being punished for individual errors – that’s simply part of the game – but what frustrates me more is that we didn't convert more of the clear-cut chances we created ourselves.
"We also have to remember that we were fortunate to get six points from the first two matches of the season. Those were games where we could just as easily have ended up with only one. Back then, we were also honest in saying that our performance wasn't good enough, even though we won.
"Tonight, as I mentioned, I thought the performance was okay and that we put in the necessary effort, so there are plenty of positives to take away from the match. But yes, we really should have scored a few more goals."
Next up for FCK is a trip to Aarhus Fremad in the Danish Cup on Thursday 29 October (1:30pm).
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