Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi scored a deflected first-half goal to end Fulham’s wait for a Premier League victory this season and ease the growing pressure on head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
Iwobi’s low effort from the edge of the penalty area in the 33rd minute took a deflection off Lucas Herrington before slipping underneath Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to secure a 1-0 win for the Cottagers on Saturday.
The victory earned Fulham all three points against a largely ineffective Hull side and lifted them off the bottom of the Premier League table.
Fulham had gone six league matches without a win under Arbeloa, who took charge in July following the departure of Marco Silva.
Despite showing promise in several previous outings, the London club had struggled to turn their performances into victories. Against Hull, however, they finally got the result they needed.
Arbeloa described the victory as “massive” in an interview with BBC’s Match of the Day.
“It’s a massive game for us,” he said.
Looking ahead to a demanding week, with Fulham scheduled to travel to Coventry next Saturday before facing Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, the Spaniard stressed the importance of maintaining their momentum.
“It won’t be easy, but we know how we need to play and compete. We have to be competitive in this league.
“We have our way and hope we can win many games,” he added.
The match marked the 100th meeting between the two clubs, with Iwobi’s decisive strike proving the difference after a sustained period of Fulham pressure.
Hull twice failed to clear their lines, allowing Sander Berge to slide the ball into Iwobi’s path. The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder made the most of the opportunity, although goalkeeper Tzolakis may feel he should have done better.
Fulham controlled much of the contest, creating several opportunities while limiting Hull’s attacking threat.
Mohamed Belloumi’s wayward effort in the second half was among the visitors’ few notable attempts, while Gonzalo García struck the crossbar with a header as Fulham pushed for a second goal.
The only setback for the hosts came deep into stoppage time when substitute Ryan Sessegnon received a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on the back of Robinio Vaz’s calf.
Despite the late dismissal, Arbeloa praised his players for their commitment and overall performance.
“We were having the same feeling as other matches, when we were controlling the game for long spells and having good chances but didn’t score,” he said.
“Our rivals punish our mistakes or take their chances, but we were brilliant for 90 minutes. We controlled the game, had many chances and didn’t concede any clear chances to Hull.
“We have been working so hard and deserved this.”
