Iwobi gives Fulham first Premier League win of season against Hull

Fulham claimed their first Premier League win of the season on 17 October, beating Hull City 1-0 at Craven Cottage through a first-half goal from Alex Iwobi. The result ended a winless start for Álvaro Arbeloa’s side, which had lost points late in its two previous matches.

Fulham had chances to extend their lead, with Calvin Bassey heading over and Josh King forcing goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to save with his foot before half-time, according to The Guardian. Iwobi later curled another attempt wide from the edge of the area. Hull’s Mohamed Belloumi sent a free-kick over the bar as stoppage time approached, leaving Fulham to protect a one-goal margin.

Fulham held on after Sessegnon’s red card

The narrow finish carried particular weight for Fulham. The Guardian reported that they had dropped five points from winning positions against Ipswich and Manchester United in their preceding two games, with the decisive goals coming from the 88th minute onwards. Against Hull, another late setback did not cost them the result.

Arbeloa praises Fulham’s response

Arbeloa praised his players’ character after the match. ‘I’m so proud of my players because they played with great personality, great character,’ he said, according to Hayters TV. ‘We scored one goal, and we continued attacking in the second half.’ He also said the supporters deserved the victory.

The coach said his squad had continued to trust his approach during the run without a win. ‘It’s not easy for players when you are working hard, when you are doing what your coach is asking you, and you don’t win games,’ he said, according to Hayters TV. The Guardian reported that Arbeloa’s appointment was intended to move Fulham towards a more expansive style of play, and described the performance against Hull as dominant and creative, particularly through Iwobi and Oscar Bobb on the wings.