Scott Parker is a man once again under pressure after his Fulham side fell to a second consecutive defeat in the Championship on Tuesday night.

The Whites were beaten 2-1 by Preston North End at Deepdale in what was an underwhelming display from the South West Londoners to say the least.

Sean Maguire and David Nugent netted two avoidable goals for the hosts before Aleksandar Mitrovic did his best to once again claw something back for his side in the second half. But it was not to be.

It was a result which left the club ten points off the automatic promotion pace in a season where an immediate return to the Premier League was a priority.

So here, we take a look at THREE obvious mistakes that Parker has made...

Defensive neglect

It was clear after their dreadful season in the Premier League that Fulham needed to strengthen their back-line in the summer as a significant priority.

So, how many defenders arrived in the summer? Zero. Michael Hector's move was agreed after the deadline but they would still have to wait until January to be able to play him.

Whilst the signings of Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaleiro and Bobby Decordova-Reid were exciting ones, they were also a shiny distraction from the real problems within the squad. Problems that are still costing them four months on.

Lack of intensity

Too many times this season Parker and his team have been carried to victory by individual brilliance. Whether that is Mitrovic's ruthlessness or a screamer from Cavaleiro or Cairney, it has often papered over the cracks in their displays.

Tuesday night was a prime example of what happens when a moment of magic is not forthcoming, however. Preston simply wanted the three points more whilst a large crop of the Whites lumbered about the pitch, waiting for Mitro to rescue them - which he almost did.

Parker should have realised that he was always going to need more than individual brilliance. He needs that unrequited passion from his players to win at all costs and he has not got that.

Stubborness/naivety

It is tricky to settle on which one is Parker's problem here, but a lack of plan B has been an issue in plenty of games for Fulham this season.

He has his style and that style is to build from the back. When it works it looks great and leads to some brilliant, flowing goals.

However, when it doesn't, and teams are able to snuff it out one way or another, you need to change things up. We have seen his abilities to tweak a game to turn it in his side's favour, most notably against QPR when he brought Cairney deeper.

But there is no question that this innability/unwillingness to change has cost the club points.