Alvaro Arbeloa says Fulham’s emerging players are “the present and future of the club” after Oscar Bobb’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory over Coventry City at CBS Arena on Saturday.
Bobb settled a closely contested match with a curling finish in the 80th minute – his first Premier League goal of the season and his first for Fulham. There had been few clear opportunities before then, although Josh King went closest in the opening half when his powerful effort struck the post.
The victory was Fulham’s second of the season, following a 1-0 win against Hull City in their previous match. It was also the first time they had won successive Premier League games since March, when they defeated Sunderland and Tottenham.
Fulham had last achieved consecutive victories without conceding in December 2025. Saturday’s result also ended an eight-match away run without a win, during which they had drawn four and lost four.
“I’m so happy. Again, a very good game for us in a difficult stadium against a tough team,” Arbeloa told Sky Sports.
“This is what we want: run, press, play our football and win games.”
The Fulham manager highlighted the importance of Bobb, King and Gonzalo Garcia as the club develops its younger squad.
“We need goals from Oscar Bobb, Josh King and Gonzalo [Garcia]. They are young players and, obviously, as a coach, it could be easier to sign players with experience,” he said.
“Last season, Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez were there – players with 300 or 500 games in their legs and in their heads. Everything is easier when you have that experience.
“But these players are young and have the talent. I trust them because I think they are the present and the future of Fulham. I’m so happy and pleased with this young talent.”
Bobb’s goal ended a run of 29 Premier League appearances without a goal or assist. His last league contribution had been an assist for Manchester City against Wolves in August 2025.
It was also only the Norway international’s second Premier League goal. His first came for Manchester City against Newcastle United in January 2024.
“We are working so hard every day. We are a team that need to give our best every day,” added Arbeloa.
“We started preparing for this game at the beginning of the week, and I’m so happy with everybody. This is the way we have to play.”
Coventry manager Frank Lampard, meanwhile, has now won only three of his past 25 Premier League matches, drawing four and losing 18.
“They are a good team and there was not much in it with limited chances,” Lampard told Sky Sports.
“That is the story of this league. The gap is what it is. Games like this come along. We want to win but if you can’t, don’t lose them.
“We were off our usual selves. We have to try and turn that.”
