The former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa could hardly have expected such a difficult beginning to his tenure at Fulham. The Spanish boss is still searching for his first Premier League victory after six matches.
Having left the Santiago Bernabeu this summer to take over at Craven Cottage, Arbeloa's record stands at just two points from a possible 18. Currently, Fulham sit 19th in the table, having suffered four defeats and recorded two draws.
Here’s how the season has unfolded for the Cottagers:
- Fulham 2:3 Chelsea – A high-scoring London derby ended in disappointment for the hosts.
- Sunderland 1:0 Fulham – A competitive away match yielded no points despite a spirited performance.
- Fulham 2:3 Crystal Palace – Another dramatic encounter where two goals weren't enough to secure any points.
- Liverpool 0:0 Fulham – The first point earned at Anfield, thanks to a disciplined defensive display against the reigning giants.
- Fulham 1:1 Manchester United – Another commendable result against a top-side on home turf.
- Ipswich 2:1 Fulham – A narrow defeat that extended the winless run at the start of the season.
However, the scores don't tell the full story. None of the four defeats were heavy losses; each match was contested fiercely, and the points earned against Liverpool and Manchester United are worthy of respect.
The team is showing a clear playing philosophy, a fighting spirit, and a strong desire to compete. The main issue lies in converting promising spells into winning results. Perhaps Fulham are just lacking a bit of luck and composure at the moment, but positive results will inevitably come with time.
