This week bought a strange feeling that we as Fulham fans haven’t felt in years: turbulence.
A humiliating defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, where the Whites threw away two leads and conceded three goals to two left-backs, left the veil of the Arbeloa fantasy in tatters (for now!).
Reports of Kenny Tete, Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi and Kevin being disgruntled built the foundations for a media pile on as BBC Sport and countless others began to question squad harmony, tactics and whether Arbeloa had underestimated the physicality of the Premier League.
I can tell you first hand there are not many feelings worse than landing from a nine-hour flight to watch your team capitulate as you wait an hour for your battered luggage, then all available train lines into London simultaneously go down.
Palace felt like a huge missed opportunity. A naive showing and weak execution all over the pitch. The decision from Fulham to hire Arbeloa felt boom or bust at the time, but this weekend even the Spaniard’s staunchest supporters started to turn against him. “Arbeloa out” comments littered both Twitter and Reddit this weekend. After years of stability, this change feels massive.
As we look forward to this weekend, the fixtures don’t get any easier, traveling to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The Reds are a handful of games into their own new era, and things look like they are slowly coming together with impressive wins against Ipswich and Atletico Madrid.
Like Fulham, Liverpool underwent a managerial change this summer, moving on from Arne Slot. And they’re undergoing a stylistic change, focusing on a higher intensity brand of football and increased use of wide players. That transition is particularly marked after the departure of Mo Salah and arrival of Bradley Barcola.
So, ahead of our trip to Merseyside, here are five things to look out for:
1. The Fulham squad
OK, a weird headline, but after the reports of unrest in the squad throughout the week, and the crystal clear weaknesses exposed in our XI last weekend, there should be some changes.
Kenny Tete cycled away from the Cottage reportedly lamenting Arbeloa for his lack of game time and a collapsed move to Everton. ESR and Iwobi have both cleaned their Instagram feeds of Fulham-related content, while Kevin posted a cryptic story on his own Instagram. I know, it all feels very Gen-Z.
Arbeloa is in a difficult position; the squad certainly needed an overhaul of younger players, demonstrated by no signings over 25 years old. But, putting so many eggs in the Real Madrid basket could have upset the apple cart of the Fulham squad (if you’ll excuse my mixed metaphors). If there are some changes in the squad this weekend, particularly if it involves those players, it really could be a signal that there is a dressing room divided.
2. Fulham’s left side
There has been some attacking dynamism to Fulham this season, particularly on the right-hand side. Oscar Bobb and Castagne have found some rhythm and created several chances against Palace, notably with Chestnuts missing from close range after good work from Bobb. The Norwegian has carried on his momentum from the World Cup and looks dangerous. Their understanding has been notable, in particular when overlapping or driving each other inside - which has become a focal point in creating overloads in attack.
Conversely, the left side has struggled mightily as I’ve written about many times already this season. The chemistry isn’t there, even with Josh King sliding out to the left and despite our second goal against Palace coming directly from King. Notably, Antonee Robinson had still yet to find his form. Just two years ago the American registered 10 assists but does look a step below that form, and his crossing has reverted to his first few years at the club. And still, Kevin is yet to play a full 90 for the Whites.
As Fulham seek something from Anfield their left will need to function.
3. Cody Gakpo and Liverpool’s attacking balance
It seemed likely that a week ago we’d be talking about Cody Gakpo as a Manchester City player, but his £80m move fell through and they opted for another Merseysider instead. Even so, it looks like the Dutchman is being revitalised under Iraola. Against new boys Ipswich he registered two assists, with one being a sumptuous outside of the foot pass to Alexander Isak, splitting the defence wide open. In their opening games against Newcastle, his long distance strike opened the account for the season and he seems to be relishing his role in Liverpool’s attack.
Gakpo, however, may see his impact lessened by the incoming Bradley Barcola. The Frenchman arrives from PSG and will bring an extra dimension to the Reds attack. As with any new manager, Liverpool have had their bumps, but against Atletico they found balance. Wirtz and Szoboszlai jumped up to support Isak, and he was finding pockets to hit bounce passes to the supporting cast. They created a lot against one of Europe’s defensive stalwarts. Liverpool with their new-look fluid wingers look to have started to find a balance they lacked under Slot.
4. Fulhams defensive shape
Three games, seven goals conceded. Watching Fulham defend has been tough; there’s been no balance, we’ve been over-exposed and we’re seemingly playing in a style that lacks another centre-half. Our man Jack Collins put together this masterpiece explaining the flaws in Fulhams system. If you haven’t already, I implore you to read it.
This weekend could see Fulham changing their shape, perhaps to a back five, in order to maintain some control and prevent overloads. Arbeloa has already spoken about David Affengruber’s pace, and the Austrian has played extensively as a third centre-half. Perhaps the Spaniard may be contemplating a switch. Especially after club captain Joachim Andersen struggled against Palace, at the very least a change there could be considered.
Jack spoke about the balance not being there with the current formation, which had been clear to see throughout our opening games. And while throwing in extra defender seems like an easy solution to a bigger problem, it might be a quick fix for the weekend. Especially, as the defensive midfielders and centre halves have been woefully exposed by AWOL wide players.
5. Our physicality
It might be before your time - and it’s certainly before mine - but Olivia Newton-John sang it best - “Let’s get physical” - and it might be time Arbeloa’s side does too.
In his BBC Sport column, Chris Sutton alluded to the boss underestimating the physicality of the Premier League - and that rings true to me. Both Sunderland and Palace found joy down the middle, and often down the flanks. The decision to leave out Sander Berge against the Eagles was an eye opener, especially for a manager looking to exert control.
I’m not going to fall into the trap of predicting Cesar Palacios to be benched (again), but I do think a stronger, quicker side will feature against Liverpool. I’d also like to see Shea Charles and Berge feature together at Anfield in a quest for our first points of the season.
COYW!