Álvaro Arbeloa under pressure after Fulham’s defeat at Ipswich

Álvaro Arbeloa is heading into Fulham’s Saturday home game against Hull under intense scrutiny after their setback at Ipswich last weekend. The push toward a more free-flowing style is already drawing criticism, and the defeat has fuelled talk about his future.

The turning point came in the 70th minute, when Arbeloa replaced Shea Charles with Manuel Ángel. From there, Fulham slipped into a late collapse and ended up losing 2-1, with Emile Smith Rowe failing to close Abdoul Ouattara when Ipswich levelled. Overall, Fulham have already dropped eight points from winning positions.

The Guardian notes the wider picture isn’t easing the pressure: after facing teams including Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United early on, Fulham now have a run involving the promoted clubs, with Hull and Coventry next. Fans are also calling out frequent tactical switches, Kevin being used on the right rather than the left, and costly late goals conceded versus Sunderland, Crystal Palace and United.