How Alvaro Arbeloa saved himself from Fulham sack as major problem remains

Arbeloa has steadied Fulham after nearly being sacked last month, earning seven points from three games, but wastefulness in front of goal remains a concern.

Alvaro Arbeloa looked set to become the first Premier League manager sacked this season after Fulham lost to Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Ipswich without a league win. Owner Shahid Khan's public backing proved timely, and the turnaround began with a 1-0 win over Hull followed by another clean sheet at Coventry. A 1-1 draw with Aston Villa — where goalkeeper Zion Suzuki gifted Fulham an equaliser — extended their unbeaten run to three games and seven points.

Arbeloa has adapted tactically, softening his initial high-intensity pressing system to become more pragmatic and accepting that results alone would save his job. Former Fulham striker Gordon Davies praised his willingness to change ideology after early games showed the squad struggling to bridge the gap between Silva's approach and the new manager's demands.

Despite the resurgence, Fulham remain the third-biggest underperformers for expected goals in the league. New striker Gonzalo Garcia has struggled in front of goal, and Arbeloa knows clinical finishing will be essential if Fulham are to realise their potential and secure Premier League survival.