Phew! It feels like we’ve only just got out breath back from a breathless opening day against Chelsea, and now Fulham go again against Sunderland.
The performance at Craven Cottage against the Blues showed a lot of promise, but also some cracks that could harm Fulham throughout the season. A divisive performance? Maybe.
Putting aside conceding inside a minute, Fulham set out their stall early. And it’s something that we expected with Arbeloa-ball: higher intensity pressing, covering ground and progressing the ball from the back via high wingbacks. Something I alluded to last week.
There will be some concerns that the defensive shape was so open, and that Fulham allowed the latter stages of the second half to become a basketball match.
Sunderland, though, present another opportunity to see this new-look Fulham as they look to secure their first Premier League points under Arbeloa.
The Mackems achieved European football last season at the first time of trying, and have drawn AC Milan, but they were humbled by new boys Ipswich on the opening day last time out. Here are five things to watch out for this weekend:
Aggressive Black Cats
This is the curtain-raiser at the Stadium of Light, and Sunderland will be hoping to right the wrongs of last week with three points.
Regis Le Bris has been vocal in his support of Sunderland switching from a counter-attacking side, into one comfortable in possession. Averaging 45% possession and just 297 completed passes per game last year, the Black Cats registered 64% and 240 passes in the first half against Ipswich – signalling their transition.
They took more shots, created more chances and registered a higher xG than their averages from last term. They pressed higher, and their midfield trio of Xhaka, Sadiki and Le Fee looked sharp creating a handful of chances for Brobbey, Hume and new signing Thomas Meunier.
Expect to see Xhaka and Sadiki look for quick bounce passes in wide areas to isolate full-backs and create one-on-ones, also look for Angulo to use his speed in wide areas.
Look for them to come out of the gate hot against Fulham.
Zero-in on centre-backs
Highlighting Sunderland’s attacking capabilities should also come with a nod towards their defensive frailties.
Both of their goals against Ipswich came from cheap turnovers, and there is certainly an opportunity for Fulham to capitalise. Against Chelsea, we saw Bobb, Garcia and King winning the ball high-up the pitch and getting in behind, and it would be a surprise if we didn’t see them zero-in on Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nein.
They were undressed by Enciso last weekend, and it certainly feels like there is a mistake in both should the Whites attackers exert the same pressure they put Lacroix, Acheampong and Levi Colwill under.
Outside of the centre-backs, look for Fulham to press in wide-areas, particularly on Sunderland’s right, where Trai Hume is filling a hybrid role and can be left alone by his supporting cast at times. Expect Xhaka to have a lot of company as Fulham attempt to stop distribution from deep, too.
As it relates to Fulham, it’s time to expect Joachim Andersen to return. Unfortunately for Jorge Cuenca, his season opened with a nightmare inside a minute and didn’t get much better from there. He looked shaky and passive, and often isolated. It’s a shame for a player that offered so much promise, and with such a great passing profile – but Arbeloa may now be looking towards the club captain to slide back in.
Character, mentality and pressing
In his pre-match presser, Arbeloa nodded towards having the “same character, same mentality, that we did at home” – so we can expect a similar, high-octane performance as the one against Chelsea.
Last week we spoke about Josh King playing in a more advanced role – almost as a second striker – and Arbeloa has underlined the academy graduate’s importance in the media this week too. He was one of, if not the stand out player last week; creating opportunities, closing and being the first man in the press. I can’t wait to see him continue to grow as a player this season. Look for King to be the focal point of the press as Fulham try to engineer chances.
Gonzalo Garcia netted two in two games and has looked rambunctious leading the line. His work ethic has been instrumental in bringing the remainder of the team up the pitch to close space. His goal against Wimbledon, though, was a taste of things to come: the pure power, technique at speed and composure to finish from the wide angle certainly whet the appetite.
Outside of the two headline grabbers, there were a handful of other green shoots for Fulham: Oscar Bobb looked dangerous, good in transition – you always feel like something might happen when he gets the ball.
Alex Iwobi’s transition into a midfield metronome is taking shape, and he has added some physicality to his game. Castagne and Berge also had a positive start to the campaign, but Berge can’t be left alone as he was against Chelsea when we visit the Stadium of Light.
Smith Rowe or Palacios?
It could be too soon to be having this conversation, but after a good performance from ESR in the Carabao Cup and Arbeloa’s comments about Palacios there could be a switch to the starting XI.
The ex-Real Madrid man had a strong start to his Fulham career, and there were certainly a lot of elements to like about his performance, but the manager noted that he may need more time to settle in. While not an explicit signal for change, perhaps the ex-Arsenal man’s performance has prompted a discussion about who should be starting wide.
Smith Rowe has been a polarising character since his arrival in SW6, only showing flashes of the player who was given the famous number 10 for the Gunners, but there is still quality there. His ability to find pockets of space, and chip in with goals is not to be forgotten – like Palacios, he can also drift inside and interchange with King, Garcia or Bobb. Although Smith Rowe struggled last season, he looked sharp against the Dons and made a host of chances before bagging himself. You do wonder if he could start after 90 minutes just three days ago though…
Going up against the experienced Thomas Meunier on Sunday, perhaps Arbeloa might go for experience over youth… or play his joker and opt for Kevin out wide.
Fly Away on my Zepa
Following his impressive performance against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, will it be the first time we see Macaulay Zepa in a Premier League matchday squad? The 18-year-old shone on Thursday night for the Whites, registering his first assist and catching the eye of many.
His pace, trickery and creative eye making him an interesting prospect, and with some depth issues in wide areas, could Arbeloa consider making him a more permanent fixture around the squad?
Enjoy the game, and here’s to the first three points of the season!