Fulham secured their first Premier League victory of the season on Saturday after a 1‑0 win over Hull City at Craven Cottage, with Alex Iwobi’s opening strike proving decisive. The win also lifted the pressure on new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who had struggled to find a win in his first six games in charge. The match ended 1‑0, with Iwobi scoring in the first half and Hull failing to convert any of their chances, even after a late free‑kick that went over the bar.
Fulham’s performance was a clear departure from the pragmatic approach of former coach Marco Silva. Arbeloa, who arrived with a small entourage from Real Madrid, has been pushing for a more expansive style. The team’s attack was fluid, with wingers Iwobi and Oscar Bobb constantly threatening from the flanks. Iwobi’s goal came from a quick right‑side attack that saw Sander Berge deliver a pass into his path; the 23‑year‑old curled a first‑time shot past goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who was caught off‑balance by the ball’s movement.
Hull City’s defense held firm for most of the match, but the game’s tension peaked in stoppage time when the side’s winger Mohamed Belloumi launched a free‑kick that struck the crossbar. Despite a late red card for Hull’s Ryan Sessegnon, the match finished 1‑0, giving Fulham a much‑needed lift from the bottom of the table. The win also ended a run of five points lost from the 88th minute in the two previous games, against Ipswich Town and Manchester United.
Arbeloa’s tactical choices were scrutinised, particularly his substitutions during the final minutes of the match. He introduced former Real Madrid youngster Manuel Ángel for his Premier League debut, and later brought on Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon to defend the lead. Sessegnon was sent off after a late challenge, but the decision was seen by some as a necessary gamble to preserve the scoreline. The manager’s calm demeanor on the sidelines was noted, even as the team faced pressure from Hull’s late surge.
Looking ahead, Fulham will aim to build on this positive result as they continue to adapt to Arbeloa’s system. The club’s recent signings, including Gonzalo García, will need to find their footing, while young players such as 19‑year‑old centre‑back Lucas Herrington and midfielder Tim Iroegbunam are expected to grow under the new regime. The win provides a morale boost, but Fulham will need to maintain consistency if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone.