Fulham

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Coventry City's two-game winning run may have come to an end against Tottenham on Monday but there will still be plenty of optimism going into Saturday's meeting with Fulham.

Frank Lampard's side had a tough start on their return to the top flight, losing four games in a row without scoring.

But three of those fixtures were against the current top three (away at Manchester City and Arsenal, and at home to Brighton). Having now got points and goals on the board, their next two matches are against clubs currently in the relegation zone.

Coventry centre-back Bobby Thomas has been one of their standout players in this campaign. After 16 clearances against Newcastle – the second-most by a player in a match this season – he made a game-high seven at Tottenham, and tops the Premier League rankings for that metric.

But there wasn't much he could do against Spurs, where unusually all three of their goals came from outside the box, meaning the Sky Blues have conceded more than twice as many such goals as any other team in the Premier League this season.

After losing to Ipswich and beating Hull City in their past two Premier League games, Fulham now face the third of the Premier League newcomers in the shape of Coventry.

Fulham's win over Hull was their first Premier League victory under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and, even though they are in the relegation zone, the pressure has lifted a little off him for now.

It is perhaps unlucky for Fulham that it has taken this long to get that win, with their results not really representative of their performances.

They are averaging 57.2% possession and 492 successful passes per game in the Premier League this season, both their highest on record in a campaign (since 2003-04).

But they have not been clinical enough in turning their impressive numbers into goals. Fulham have had more touches in the opposition box than any other Premier League team this season, yet rank joint-15th for goals scored.

Only Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have a lower shot conversion rate in this season's Premier League. Even Alex Iwobi's winner last weekend needed a deflection and a goalkeeping error to squeeze into the net.

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Coventry City at CBS Arena (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Aside from Ryan Sessegnon, who is suspended, "everybody is fit" for Saturday's match: "Everybody is good. Emile [Smith Rowe] had some issues after the last training session last Friday, but yesterday he completed all training sessions, so I think he will be available - but we will see later."

• Arbeloa said "nothing has changed" since recording his first league win, against Hull City, last weekend: "When we were not winning we kept the belief. Now, we have the same target to win a tough game against Coventry. We have the reward we were looking for and we have to fight again."

• Asked if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders, the Spaniard replied: "I know it is important for a coach, but I don't feel this. It's about my players and supporters. They deserve the win."

• Arbeloa said he is confident about being given the time to build a project at Craven Cottage: "I can't compare myself with Marco [Silva] because he was here for five years. He did really well and he had his own ideas and his own players. It is good time to build a good project and I hope I can have this time. I am working so hard with my staff and with my players to build this new project."

• He said his team need to find Gonzalo Garcia with the ball more: "I am so happy with him because of his work and how he helps create space. He is making some good runs. We are a team who likes to have the ball and combine, but sometimes you need to look for the players that are running. He is doing great."

• On Saturday's opponents: "They are a team that can combine if you give them time, but also they try to go to your box as quicky as they can. They are a team that like to put so many crosses in and to put the ball in the wide areas. They can be very direct and also they are very good in counter-attacks."

• Arbeloa said he expects this match to be similar to their defeat by Ipswich earlier this month: "[That was] A game where we had the ball, but away games are never easy. We know this game is very important for us, but it's very important for them."

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Fulham fan John Charles says "the pressure is off Alvaro Arbeloa's shoulders for now" following their 1-0 win against Hull City, and praised the head coach for his tactical flexibility in their opening seven games.

"We felt the win was coming," Charles told BBC Radio London. "I said before that the next games against the newly promoted sides [Hull City and Coventry City] would define the season.

"We got over the line in the Hull City game, but it should have been easier.

"Coventry are not a bad side, so it's not going to be easy.

"Hopefully Fulham can take some of that form and strategy and come out with a convincing win."

Listen to the full chat by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here

Tom Gayle
Match of the Day commentator

Image source, Getty Images

Knives were being sharpened for Alvaro Arbeloa throughout the build-up to Saturday's win over Hull City.

His post-match comments - "I played for the best team in the world, I have coached the best team in the world" - following defeat at Ipswich hadn't helped his cause.

The media smelled blood, so it was no surprise to see reports of squad unrest and certain players not being happy with the methods of their new head coach published days before the game.

I spoke to Antonee Robinson before kick-off, though, and he was quick to shut down any talk of not being behind Arbeloa.

The stakes were extremely high on Saturday. Lose, or even draw, and it would have been Fulham's worst start to a Premier League season. Anything other than a win, and it would have been hard to envisage the Spaniard remaining in charge.

If this was to be the "last dance", Arbeloa was determined to go out on his terms.

He continues to trust and believe in youth. Josh King, Shea Charles, Gonzalo Garcia and Oscar Bobb have a combined total of just over 100 Premier League appearances between them, yet all remain first-choice players despite the intense scrutiny, with each integral to the Fulham gameplan.

There was no adaptation in style either. The match continued the Arbeloa blueprint of possession and passing through the lines.

However, unlike in previous performances, Fulham didn't retreat to protect a lead.

While an equaliser would have meant a different narrative, the overriding theme of my discussions with Hull fans afterwards at Putney Bridge Tube station was how it could have easily been a 5-0 defeat, and not the 1-0 reality.

Post-match, Arbeloa didn't present himself as a man feeling the pressure, and his demeanour is fuelled by Fulham's trust in him to come good.

Owner and chairman Shahid Khan's programme notes referenced a "positive path". This is Khan's 14th season in charge and time has always been afforded to new Fulham managers - Rene Meulensteen has had the shortest reign of 13 league games.

In a results business, Arbeloa's future still must be viewed on a game-by-game basis, but Saturday ensured a much more relaxed week of preparation for their next test.

Win at Coventry and momentum could start to snowball. A defeat, depending on its manner, could force Fulham's hand into a first managerial sacking during the month of October.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Hull City.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Rohan: A good all-round performance. It really could have been three or four goals but what matters now is the three points. If we keep playing like that, but being more clinical, we could have a chance at a successful season.

Campbell: After watching the game, it was certainly a deserved win, but chances being missed by Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia still leave some room for improvement and I fear that if we fail to make these kinds of chances count, other teams will.

Andrew: Totally dominating performance. Hull were not effective in any area of the game. But if Fulham want to win more games, they have to be more clinical in front of goal, otherwise it's going to be a long season.

Quinn: A big relief. The team are fighting, that's all we can really ask. Alvaro Arbeloa is also learning - if he did what he was doing now at the beginning of the season, I believe we would be in a different position. Water under the bridge. Success will undoubtedly be avoiding relegation, so a long slog. Keep going, we're behind you.

Hull City fans

David: Hull, in all honesty, were as bad as a team can get. Let's hope it's a one-off. The manager, as well as the team, got it wrong today, but whatever format you play, it doesn't excuse not clearing your lines time and again.

Owen: Definitely below par. Gave the ball away too many times. We know they can do better and hopefully they will regroup for the game against Brentford.

Billy: I think we have made an amazing start to the season, but that was absolutely unacceptable. Every player from back to front was second best. The midfield was completely outplayed and Oli McBurnie is just so far off it. Much-needed improvement next week is needed. Even Mohamed Belloumi was off it - I can't remember a point where he threatened.

Bear: If it was a boxing match, it would have been stopped at half-time. So, so poor from Hull. Well played Fulham, we dust ourselves down and go again.

Fulham finally got their first win of the season under Alvaro Arbeloa but they've maybe been a bit unlucky that it's taken this long.

While results are ultimately all that matters, the stats below aren't those of a team that should be at the bottom of the table.

Their only real problem has been taking their chances - only Tottenham and Forest have a worse shot conversion rate.

All for of their four losses - and now their only win - have been by the odd goal, which shows they have been in games.

Chris Wise
Final Score reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Josh King is 19-years-old and running a Premier League game from midfield.

You've got to have some serious talent to pull that off.

We've seen enough of King now to know what a glorious player he is. Ever since his Fulham debut, he's looked the part.

The desire this season will have been to move to the next level as a player. The weekend performance against Hull City was proof that it's happening.

Thomas Tuchel had a good look at him before the World Cup, and even though England are very well stocked with high class midfielders, don't be at all surprised if King has been capped at senior level by next summer.

Tim Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Will this prove to be a turning point for Alvaro Arbeloa?

There was hardly mutiny on the banks of the Thames, despite Fulham's meagre return of just two points from their first six games before this contest.

Yet defeat to a newly promoted side would have certainly caused a degree of twitchiness among fans and the club's hierarchy.

Arbeloa had urged his side to stick to their methods and they patiently weaved neat passages of intricate passing play.

Alex Iwobi was at the heart of it all, the experienced head pulling the strings in midfield, while Oscar Bobb, Shea Charles and Josh King provided youthful vitality.

Once again Fulham had such a monopoly on possession at Craven Cottage (76.2%) that they may as well have put all their houses and hotels on it.

This time, however, they did pass go and collected their reward - three points.

They made 717 passes in this game, their highest total in a Premier League match this season.

In truth, the margin of victory should have been greater - Gonzalo Garcia headed against the bar, while Konstantinos Tzolakis dealt with clear cut-chances for Iwobi and King.

This result should provide the springboard for the Cottagers and drive belief in Arbeloa's philosophy.

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I am very happy, especially for the supporters, they deserve this win. For the players, they were looking for this victory and have been working so hard. We deserved it in other matches, but we couldn't get it; today was finally the day.

"We were having the same feeling as other matches, when we were controlling the game for long spells and having good chances but didn't score. Our rivals punish our mistakes or take their chances, but today we were brilliant for 90 minutes. We controlled the game, had many chances and didn't concede any clear chances to Hull, a very good team. They are tough to beat. We need to keep going and keep improving.

"We have so many players with talent who can score. They will have chances. Players from the bench will be so important for us too. We have many chances, and we need to try and take them,

On Ryan Sessegnon's red card: "He was unlucky, he wanted to get the ball. I didn't see [the replay], maybe it was a clear red card. Everyone knows Ryan, he didn't want to do this challenge. It's unlikely for the Hull player; we are sorry for him."

On using this first win as a springboard: "It's a massive game for us, a massive week because we have Coventry, then Palace in seven days. It won't be easy, but we know how we need to play and compete, we have to be competitive in this league. We have our way and hope we can in many games."

Fulham forward Josh King, speaking after the 1-0 win: "I think we were really brave today.

"We played as a team who knew what we had to get, the three points. We worked so hard for each other from 0 to 90 minutes. That's where we have struggled before, getting the lead and keeping it.

"[Alex Iwobi] is a really special player and a joy to play with; for him to get the goal and help the team is massive.

"I think I would have liked to come away with something more for myself, like a goal or assist; they will come, but today was all about the team."

Did you know?

• Fulham picked up their first Premier League victory of the season, leaving just Bournemouth and Spurs as the only sides without a win this term.

• Alex Iwobi was the first Fulham player to have 5+ shots (5), create 3+ chances (3) and complete 50+ passes (57) in a Premier League match since Bryan Ruiz against Swansea in December 2012.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Hull City's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Everton v Chelsea (12:30)

• Brentford v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Hull City

• Manchester City v Ipswich Town - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle United v Aston Villa (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

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This feels like a massive game for Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who is still waiting for his first league win.

They had it in the bag against Ipswich last week so losing that game so late on was just desperate for them.

I've watched Fulham a couple of times this season, against Liverpool and Manchester United, and they played well both times without getting over the line.

After this game, they go to Coventry next. I know the Cottagers are not a club known for going through managers but if they lose this then the pressure will really be on Arbeloa.

Hull, in contrast, will be relishing this after the start they have made.

Their identity is as a team who will have a real go at you and their approach is a bit like a bull in a china shop.

It has been working pretty well so far and I think they will fancy their chances against a Fulham side who might be lacking a bit of belief.

Despite that, I am going to go with Fulham here. I don't think their results have really reflected their performances so far, but that might change on Saturday.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Saturday's match (15:00 BST), the 100th meeting between Fulham and Hull City.

Pressure building on Arbeloa

Fulham's collapse at Ipswich Town, where they led until the 88th minute but lost 2-1, means the Cottagers remain without a league victory under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa. Scrutiny of the Spaniard will continue to grow unless he wins this game, the second of three consecutive matches against newly promoted opposition.

Arbeloa says his side need to change their mentality after scoring, complaining that at Portman Road, and to some extent against Manchester United a week earlier, the Londoners became "very direct" after going in front, surrendering possession cheaply and inviting pressure.

Only Bournemouth have dropped more points from winning positions in the current campaign than Fulham, who have let eight points slip, just three fewer than across the whole of last season. The Whites are also conceding late goals at an alarming rate, having shipped a league-high five from the 75th minute onwards.

Arbeloa's side have probably played better than their results suggest, but performances alone will not ease the pressure on the former Real Madrid head coach. Fulham are in danger of failing to win any of their opening seven top-flight games for the first time since 1951, when they went on to finish bottom.

Belloumi making his mark

Hull City claimed their first Premier League win by beating Fulham in 2008 and have a good record in this fixture, losing just one of six meetings with the Cottagers in the competition.

The Tigers marked their return to the top flight by winning their opening two league games this season and keeping clean sheets in their first three matches. However, their defence has looked more vulnerable since then, conceding twice in each of their past three outings. The absence of record signing Nobel Mendy, who is ruled out with a groin injury, could further weaken their backline.

Hull nevertheless head to west London in good spirits after coming from 2-1 down to earn a point against Everton last weekend, courtesy of an equaliser from substitute Mohamed Belloumi.

The newly promoted side spent £146m this summer on 18 signings in an attempt to bridge the gulf in quality, but Algeria international Belloumi, now in his third season at the club, has coped impressively with the step up.

The 24-year-old already has three goals and two assists, and is averaging a Premier League goal involvement every 85 minutes. That is the best rate by any Hull player to have made at least five appearances in the competition.

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Hull City at Craven Cottage (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arbeloa confirmed there is a question mark over Hugo Larsson's availability due to a "small groin problem", and he will be assessed again after Friday's training session. However, "all the rest of the players are fit and available".

• Fulham will be "looking for the reward" and "trying to get a win for the supporters" on Saturday, after two draws and four defeats in their opening six Premier League fixtures.

• On conceding two late goals against Ipswich Town last time out: "It wasn't easy to take because it was another game we controlled. We were doing so many good things but we lost the points at the end, similarly to the Manchester United game."

• He recognises that Fulham aren't in an "easy situation" at the moment, sitting rock-bottom in the league table, but he placed importance on "staying true to our ideas" and "doing the things that keep putting us in front".

• When asked if he is aware of the reports that he will be sacked if he doesn't get a win this weekend, he replied: "No. Look, I'm focused on this next game and on my players - that's the most important thing for me. It isn't about me."

• Arbeloa, who replaced Marco Silva on a three-year contract in July 2026, reiterated that he is "waiting for the game where our performance turns into a result" and that is where his "energy" is focused.

• He hasn't asked the club for clarity on his future, and has been "working hard on preparing for a difficult match" instead.

• On whether he still has the support of the dressing room: "My players showed desire for many minutes against Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Liverpool. I believe we just need to keep that level up for 90 minutes now. I saw the commitment of my players in training again this week. They are so focused."

• The supporters are "the most important thing" at Craven Cottage. He explained: "They were here before any of us arrived and the club belongs to them, so the only thing we are thinking about is getting the victory for them and giving everything for them."

• When asked if he feels questions around his substitutions are fair, he replied: "Yes, it is always fair. I always try to analyse what I can do better every weekend, that's football. Maybe I could've brought on some players who could keep the ball better. I do try to understand every opinion and I accept it."

• Opponents Hull City are doing "very well" in their first season since promotion to the top flight.

• Sergej Jakirovic's team "don't concede chances due to defending really narrowly", so Fulham will need to be "patient" while also being aware of the Tigers' "strong counter-attacks and set-pieces".

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Alvaro Arbeloa may be a World Cup winner, who had an illustrious career with Real Madrid, but he's "at Fulham right now" and "getting a lot of things wrong."

Content creator and Fulham fan John Charles (JCC) believes Arbeloa's fate depends on whether the Spaniard can orchestrate a victory at home against Hull City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"What a week for Fulham football club and Alvaro Arbeloa. It feels like everything hangs on this game against Hull.

"If he gets this wrong, it looks like we will be getting a manager change from everything we are reading in the media."

Fulhamish podcast host Sammy James told BBC Radio London that Fulham will have to "press the button" if they fail to beat Hull City and Coventry City.

James said Arbeloa's stint would be deemed an "abject failure" if the Whites failed to win any of their opening eight Premier League games.

"What does a win against Hull prove? I am not belittling Hull, but if we win 1-0 against Hull, then what?

"It does not prove anything, it is still the same problems that are going to be there," added Jones.

Although Fulham are currently bottom of the league, JCC said his side are "not the worst team" in the top flight.

"I have watched every minute of our season, we have had leads, we have dominated games at times," he added.

"We have been very much in touch with winning games, but managerial decisions have cost us."

Listen to more reaction from James by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Former Wolves and Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira is targeting a return to management in the Premier League and being linked with struggling Fulham. (Talksport), external

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Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa has received a warning and been fined £25,000 by the Football Association for comments made after the 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday 20 September.

Arbeloa was unhappy after his side conceded a late Matheus Cunha equaliser and vented his frustrations post-match, referencing the controversial decision to allow Erling Haaland's goal for Manchester City against United the week prior.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "All fouls for them. You can see before they scored, the foul against [Harry] Maguire, he's a guy who is 100 kilos. Every decision was for them.

"And I knew. I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here. We deserved a little bit more.

"We were so close. So, so close. We were a little bit unlucky again. We knew it would be difficult against this big team.

"Also we knew what happened last week. We have seen what the referees have been doing all the match so it was a difficult game. And we were unlucky."

An FA statement read: "Alvaro Arbeloa has been fined £25,000 and received a warning for comments made after the Premier League fixture between Fulham and Manchester United on Sunday 20 September.

"It was alleged that the Fulham head coach acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official.

"Alvaro Arbeloa subsequently admitted the charge."

The Spaniard is still yet to win a Premier League game in charge of the Cottagers, who sit bottom of the table on two points after six games.

Former Brentford and Tottenhammanager Thomas Frank would be a leading candidate to take charge at Fulham, if they decide to sack Alvaro Arbeloa. (Talksport), external

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