By Daily Review Online
Alex Iwobi scored the decisive goal as Fulham defeated Hull City 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday to secure manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s first Premier League victory and climb out of the relegation zone.
The Nigerian midfielder struck in the 34th minute, finishing a sweeping attacking move to give Fulham three vital points after a difficult start to the season that had placed Arbeloa’s position under scrutiny.
The victory provided much-needed relief for the Spanish manager, who had reportedly been given two matches to improve results following Fulham’s winless opening to their Premier League campaign.
Fulham started brightly and dominated the first half, registering 10 shots as they repeatedly troubled the visitors’ defence.
Iwobi had threatened early in the contest before finding the breakthrough in the 34th minute. His effort slipped through the hands of Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and crossed the line to put the hosts ahead.
Fulham continued to create opportunities after the interval but were unable to extend their advantage.
Josh King was denied in a one-on-one situation by Tzolakis, who also produced an important save to prevent Iwobi from scoring his second goal of the afternoon.
Iwobi later curled an effort narrowly wide before delivering an excellent cross for Gonzalo Garcia, whose 74th-minute header struck the crossbar.
Despite their dominance, Fulham failed to find a second goal, leaving the contest delicately poised in the closing stages.
The hosts’ task became more difficult in stoppage time when substitute Ryan Sessegnon was sent off for a late challenge on Hull substitute Robinio Vaz, catching him around the heel and Achilles area.
However, Fulham held on with 10 men to secure their first Premier League victory under Arbeloa.
The result lifted the London club out of the relegation zone and offered the manager some breathing space following mounting concerns about the team’s early-season performances.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa praised his players for maintaining their belief in his methods despite their difficult run of results.
He said he was proud of their character and commitment, insisting that the team had continued to play according to his ideas even when results had gone against them.
On the pressure surrounding his position, the Spaniard said: “Pressure is a privilege.”
Meanwhile, Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic described his side’s performance as their worst since he took charge, admitting that Fulham had been superior throughout the encounter.
He criticised his players for their lack of intensity and quality, urging them to examine their performance and respond positively in their next match.
For Fulham, Iwobi’s decisive contribution and the hard-fought victory could prove an important turning point in their campaign, although Arbeloa’s side will need to build on the result to maintain their Premier League status.