Is Matchday 3 too early to say a game is “must win”? Probably. But it’s certainly feeling like heads are starting to turn in Fulham’s direction, even the fanbase seems to be split down the middle on Arbeloa.
Last week the Spaniard declared that “we are so ambitious” before a disappointing trip to Teesside that saw Fulham register zero shots on target, and leaving a second Premier League game without any points.
After the game Arbeloa went on to say, “We didn’t even fight, we didn’t run, poor technical level. We were not in the game.” It’s an adequate summation, but beforehand said he “did not like the attitude of his team” leaving the Match of the Day pundits wondering whether the Spaniard had gone too early with his criticism of the Whites. Four goals conceded in two games, and three soft ones at that, we need to see some improvement quickly.
Here’s hoping the three arrivals on deadline day can help. More on them later.
Over in Croydon, things haven’t exactly been plain sailing either. After the departure of Oliver Glasner, Palace appointed Frenchman Pierre Sage, who sparkled with both Lyon and Lens. His style, on paper, is the opposite of Arbeloa: he relies on structured pressing, compact shape and quick, vertical transitions. With six goals conceded in two games, it looks like Sage’s tactics might need some time to bed in.
Palace had a strange transfer window, welcoming in three deadline day signings of their own – Quinten Timber, Dario Osorio and Ben Chillwell, to add to Dwight McNeil, Anan Khalalili, Tomiyasu, Zavior Gozo and Oscar Mingueza. But the summer also bought turmoil, Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea, Daniel Munoz reunited with Glasner in Nottingham, JP Mateta is currently injured, aka refusing to play, and Ismaila Sarr is mourning a collapsed move to Liverpool.
This weekend is shaping up to be tasty. Here’s five things to look out for:
1. Goals. Potentially lots of them.
These are two teams who’ve struggled to keep the ball out of the net in the opening two games. Palace conceded four against Manchester City with Sage saying that they played “65 good minutes” after a delayed pre-season. Palace have looked weaker in wide areas and struggled to stop the ball entering the box against City. They will be pleased, though, with the number of chances they created throughout the duration of the match. Much like Fulham, their finishing left a lot to be desired.
While Fulham didn’t register a shot on target against Sunderland, so writing that there could be goals feels weird, but there were signs of creativity. Josh King had a notable opening in the first half, Garcia with two right at the death. Fulham need to be more incisive with their attacking play – and take more risks in the shooting department.
In all, both sides feel vulnerable, and Pierre Sage has been vocal about using this Fulham match as a barometer for his side this season. Palace enter this weekend without a win in nine games, stretching back to last season, Fulham should be targeting this game for three points.
2. Josh King. Again.
This column could easily have a section dedicated to Josh King every week, but for the sake of you all I’ve tried to mix it up. But through the first two weeks of the season, most good things have flowed through the young starlet. In my preview against Chelsea I mentioned how he is being played further up the pitch. This second striker role does suit King, who isn’t afraid to lead the line and feels like he could create something out of nothing when on the ball.
While he snatched at his chance last week, his confidence was on show against Chelsea, bringing it to the noisy neighbours and making up for the goal that never was. The refreshing thing about King is that he doesn’t overthink it; the head never drops and he keeps plugging away. The breakout will come, and there’s good reason why he travelled to the World Cup with England.
3. Who takes left wing?
Last week we discussed Emile Smith Rowe versus Cesar Palacios, and the Spaniard ultimately won out. Not many things went right for Fulham from an attacking perspective last week, but the spotlight may quickly end up on the left wing where things do feel uncertain. Palacios started well against Chelsea, but didn’t catch the eye as much against Sunderland and was replaced by ESR.
It will be interesting to see if the young Spaniard gets the nod again this week, or Arbeloa goes for a traditional wide player given Palace’s defensive shape that often reverts to a back five out of possession.
As a final note, it’ll be interesting to see who Arbeloa calls on during the game. There was some negative discourse about his substitutions last week, particularly his use of Ryan Sessegnon and Shea Charles.
4. The new boys in town
The Whites welcomed three more recruits on deadline day, Manuel Angel, David Affengruber and Hugo Larsson, in a bid to add some much-needed depth to the squad.
Affengruber arrives after an eye-catching two years with Elche in Spain and has recently made his debut for his native Austria, being named in their World Cup squad. He predominantly plays on the right-side of a back three and is known for his passing range and reading of the game. He’ll likely slot in as the fourth-choice centre-back in a move that will free up Luc De Fougerolles to go out on loan – the Canadian has been linked with a move to Real Salt Lake.
Manuel Angel is another recruit from Real Madrid Castilla and worked with Arbeloa previously; it was his current coach who handed him his Real Madrid debut. Angel is on the smaller side at 5”7, but brings good technical ability, distribution and vision. Personally, I am not bought into this signing as the Premier League feels too physical for him, but at £3m it’s low risk.
Hugo Larsson is an exciting signing, and despite the noise surrounding his move to London, he will be one to look out for. He’s 6”2, rangy and dynamc in the middle of the park. The Swede commanded the highest ever fee paid to a Swedish club when he moved to Frankfurt and has justified that price tag. His reading of the game is exceptional, which makes him press-resistant, and can operate as a six or an eight.
I’d have liked to have seen Larsson on the pitch this weekend, but Arbeloa hinted in his press conference that it’s too early.
5. Baby, you’re a FUL to CRY
Yes, it’s that time of the year when FUL-CRY swings back into view. Fulham haven’t beaten Palace at home since 2005(!), with the most painful of those defeats being the 0-3 FA Cup defeat at home in 2025.
There have been way too many tears shed at the hands of a club named after an exhibition building.
Let’s hope there aren’t any tears this weekend and we can all celebrate three points.
COYW!
Wearside