Arbeloa faced 'unfair' lack of 'grace'
- Published
The Athletic's Adam Crafton says "it seemed unfair" how Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa "wasn't given much grace" for their start to the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The head coach, who was appointed in July, faced early pressure from fans after taking seven games to get their first win of the season.
"He wasn't given much grace given to him early in the season," said Crafton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "It felt like people looked at their summer recruitment where they brought in a lot of young players and fans didn't want to give him that much time. That seemed unfair.
"I really like some of the players they have bought. Shea Charles is really good in midfield."
Conversation moved on to the form of striker Gonzalo Garcia, who has one league goal so far since joining from Real Madrid.
Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton said: "I'm not so sure he's a natural finisher. I have seen him miss a couple of chances, just the way he finishes, taking extra touches. They lost 19 goals with Wilson and Jimenez. They have Muniz, who I think is a better fit for them in terms of getting them up the pitch and linking."
Following back-to-back wins, Fulham have eight points and sit 15th in the table.
