Fulham's difficult start to the Premier League season continued with a 1-0 defeat away to Sunderland this week. The loss, combined with an opening day reverse against Chelsea, leaves Alvaro Arbeloa's side 16th in the table with zero points from two matches, having scored two goals and conceded four.
Wilson Isidor's 75th-minute goal for Sunderland was enough to secure all three points at the Stadium of Light. According to a match report from The Guardian, the strike ended a 17-year wait for a Premier League home win for Sunderland against Fulham.
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa acknowledged his team's shortcomings after the final whistle. "It wasn't our day for sure," he was quoted as saying. "We need to improve many things, for sure, especially the energy and the attitude." The result means Fulham's recent form reads LL, and they currently sit six points behind early leaders Manchester City in the standings.
An analysis by Tom Masters for Sports.Yahoo highlighted several issues for Fulham. He noted that adapting to Arbeloa's methods after Marco Silva's tenure would be "a marathon, not a sprint." The team's lack of creativity in the final third was a repeated problem, despite having more possession, particularly in the second half.
On a more positive note, Alex Iwobi's performance was singled out as a bright spot. The Nigerian midfielder was described as "a step up from the rest" and looks set to be a key figure following the departures of Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez. The club's injury situation, with Tom Cairney and Luc De Fougerolles currently sidelined, is detailed on the injuries page.
In off-field news, Fulham are reportedly in talks to sign defender Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan. Sportmediaset reports that the player is now open to a move to Craven Cottage, having previously been reluctant when Coventry City showed interest. Negotiations are said to be ongoing for a deal worth around €15 million.
The 28-year-old centre-back did not train with Milan recently and is reportedly in London to help push the transfer through. This potential signing would address a key area as Fulham look to tighten a defence that has conceded four goals in their first two league games. Fans can track any new arrivals on the official squad list.
Attention now turns to halting this poor start and building momentum. The immediate focus for Arbeloa and his players will be on the training ground to address the issues seen in the opening fixtures. Their next opportunity to get points on the board comes in a home match against Bournemouth, who are 14th, scheduled for November 28th.
