Fulham

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Speaking about Fulham's 2026-27 campaign so far, Whites fan John Charles (JCC) said: "There is only one word to describe Fulham's start to the Premier League season and that is chaotic.

"Kicking off with a derby against Chelsea under the floodlights was always going to be an exciting fixture for us Fulham fans.

"We didn't expect to concede in the first minute to Joao Pedro after a defensive lapse in concentration. Unfortunately, that set the tone for the next games.

"Going to the Stadium of Light, Sunderland away, and losing that game in the manner we did, then the Crystal Palace game that followed was one of the most calamitous football matches I have ever watched.

"If you're a neutral and not a Fulham fan, I would encourage you to watch the highlights and goals from that game if you're looking for a laugh - but it wasn't funny for us.

"We are starting to feel the pressure as a fanbase and a club that maybe we got this wrong with Alvaro Arbeloa.

"However, adaptation is the most important thing, along with trusting the process with a new manager. You have got to give him the ability to make mistakes because he is learning on the job.

"He is coming into settled squad that has been in the Premier League for five years now and has been solid under one manager.

"When you're making that sort of change, there is always going to be teething problems."

Listen to more from JCC below or on BBC Sounds here

Football finance expert Kieran Magiure, has been answering your questions after Manchester City were found guilty of all charges related to breaches of financial rules.

Gary: Is there any chance this could be resolved by the end of the season?

Kieran: There is a very high chance it will be resolved by the end of the season. Because if it is not, we could end up in another situation very similar to that of Burnley and Everton where a club could be relegated and Manchester City are not given a deduction. And next season, a club that finished in 18th could say had that deduction been applied earlier, we wouldn't have been relegated. So that would add to the complications.

Certainly looking at the Premier League's press release itself, it does seem that it is very keen to resolve it as quickly as possible. If you take a look at the length of time that it took the commissions in respect to Nottingham Forest and Everton, once they have heard the evidence, applying the sanctions is the quickest part. It's listening to evidence that is the torturous process.

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Dappy: Based on everything you read, what is the most likely punishment going to be for Manchester City?

Kieran: I agree that it could be a very hefty points deduction and a transfer embargo at the very least. On top of that, I believe there will be a very significant financial penalty added into the equation. The logic behind having a transfer embargo is that it then becomes a multi-season issue.

If we go back to 2013 when City were in breach of Uefa rules, they had a transfer ban, wage and squad caps, it did impact the club in the subsequent season.

Rehan: If Manchester City get a huge fine, what would the FA do with that money? Where would it go?

Kieran: It would be shared by the Premier League clubs, including Manchester City. And it will be offset against the league's legal bill. Discussions with lawyers suggest they think City could be liable for about two-thirds to three-quarters of Premier League's legal costs, which is estimated to be in the region of £50-60m.

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The Football Association have charged Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa with misconduct after comments made in a post-match interview following Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the FA said: "Alvaro Arbeloa has been charged with misconduct for comments made after the Premier League fixture between Fulham and Manchester United on Sunday 20 September.

"It is alleged that the Fulham manager acted in an improper manner by making comments in a post-match interview that imply bias and/or question the integrity of a match official." Alvaro Arbeloa has until Thursday 1 October to provide a response."

After the draw, Arbeloa told Sky Sports that it was "all fouls for them [Manchester United]" after he was left disgruntled by a foul awarded to the Red Devils.

"You can see before they scored, the foul against [Harry] Maguire, he's a guy who is 100 kilos. Every decision was for them.

"And I knew. I knew after the game against Man City [which United lost after a controversial goal] that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here. We deserved a little bit more."

Arbeloa has until Thursday, 1 October to provide a response to the charge.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The Premier League has opened a Pandora's box of problems which cannot be closed. However well-intentioned, however morally upright they mean to be, the way the product is perceived around the planet by fans will be negatively affected.

This looks like a gigantic mess, but could also become a bit of a joke, especially if they attempt to rewrite history, and change the winners' names on the Premier League and cup trophies over these past 15 years. I wouldn't want the engraver's job.

I believe financial rules brought in to prioritise financial sustainability were also aimed at limiting the money being spent by the clubs, especially the staggering, ever-inflating sums spent on sometimes fairly average players. It could lead to a de facto salary cap, which many fans would approve of.

The long-term problem for the league is easy to see here: if the top players are then offered significantly more money to play elsewhere, they will be off before you can say 'man on'.

I always thought the Premier League had taken a huge risk going down this regulatory road. As with Manchester City's future, nobody knows what the real long-term ramifications will be.

I have a suspicion it could end up being the greatest own goal in the sport's entire history.

The big take: If City are cast out of England's top leagues, what might the owners do – hang around the lower reaches, or find something else? Wasn't there the idea of a Super League? Keep that thought in the back of your mind.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Most of the time it is not that big a deal if you go into the international break having just lost a club game if I am honest, as teams lose games frequently.

That is just the life of a professional footballer. You have to be able to cope with disappointment as an individual and as a team.

‌Admittedly, players will sometimes say that they want another domestic game quickly, but it is almost always specifically after a 'bad' defeat as opposed to just a run-of-the-mill loss.

‌However, if the team has genuinely played terribly, or lost a game they were expected to win comfortably, you will commonly hear the phrase "we want to have a chance to get back out there and put it right quickly".

‌Players who have had a stinker, even if their team won, might also want to get out again as soon as possible to put it right in front of their fans, or 'reset'. The 'reset' argument is just current football jargon to say, "we will try to get it right next time, and we blew it this week, sorry".

‌The international break can also have the beneficial effect of taking your mind away from a bad defeat. This is not to say that you don't care, it is just that you must compartmentalise your thoughts and feelings. Footballers are among the best at this.

‌You simply cannot go to play for your national team and spend the time brooding about what happened against Brentford last week. That way lies madness and another poor performance, only this time in front of the entire nation.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Unbelievably, sensible and well-informed people are seriously discussing Manchester City getting a huge points deduction or being demoted or kicked out of the English leagues completely.

‌There is also reasonable talk about them being sued by just about every other major club in the domestic game, and a few beyond that. That is before you get to the concept of titles being stripped and trophies retrospectively re-awarded to others.

There is still an appeal to be heard, but they have been found guilty already. Serious consequences must be considered. Following the draconian punishments handed to Everton and Nottingham Forest, among others, City might find they don't just have the book thrown at them, it is the entire British Library lobbed in their general direction.

Those other clubs cooperated in the process. City have faced more charges and they involve larger sums and over a longer time period. In short, things are not looking good for the club that dominated English football for almost a decade.

This may be the biggest story in the Premier League's history and it is going to run and run.

Other serious considerations will follow hard on the heels of the Blues' dilemmas – specifically what long-term effects will this have on the Premier League? They will not all be good ones.

Some reasonably argue that the financial rules City have been found to have broken shouldn't have been put there in the first place. They were brought in to safeguard the financial security of the clubs and the league, but try telling that to many City, Everton and Nottingham Forest fans just now.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have plenty of financial backing, but these rules have hurt their ability to grow and stay competitive with the legacy clubs. This all feels unfair if you are a supporter of those two.

The money that will now be frittered away by the English game on lawyers and legal fees is eye-watering, and it will grow exponentially as the litigation increases.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

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We asked you to rate Fulham's start to the Premier League season and tell us what Alvaro Arbeloa should be focusing on during the extended international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: It's been a bad start, there's no getting away from that. The three games after the international break are massive; seven points from them and suddenly we can start to look forward to another good season. But, if we keep making defensive mistakes, conceding late and losing by the odd goal, then I suspect Mr Dyche may be getting a call in November.

James: Worried. Our highly talented squad really needed this break to work together. We need at least one more striker. Next few games are must wins.

Robert: Think Arbeloa has been very naive in his approach in the first games -hopefully he is learning on the job but the performances of the three promoted sides has increased the need to get at least six points from the next three games against them to propel the team forward. If we don't win any of them I cannot see him surviving.

Quinn: It's been difficult. Playing well, just not enough bite or resilience. Hopefully the break will allow everyone time to reflect and come back stronger. I'm not going to criticise any individuals because I don't think it helps and feels demoralising. Just hope 'we' can find solutions and get some crucial points over our next three games.

Rohan: I feel as though, while the results may not reflect it, Fulham are showing real signs of promise and growth in the early stages of Arbeloa's reign. We now have a solid squad and, if Garcia Gonzalo starts performing we could start getting some good results.

Duffy: It was always going to be tough start with an inexperienced manager, new young players and no easy games. But the gamble could pay off, there are real signs of promise - for example, Josh King is now blossoming into a top-class player. Let's hope we get the results we deserve when season restarts.

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Fulham fan Lorraine Hughes says supporters "are much happier than they were" after an improvement in performances in recent weeks.

The Cottagers lost their first three league matches under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa but have rallied with draws against Liverpool and Manchester United.

"Fulham had one of the hardest opening runs in terms of fixtures so it was always going to be a tough time for us, especially with a new manager and new recruits to bed in," Hughes told BBC Radio London.

"Arbeloa wants to play exciting, attacking football with a high press - which is great - but he has learned quickly that this can't be at the expense of an effective defence.

"It has looked like we've turned a corner, though, with consecutive draws against Manchester United and Liverpool, and a good win in the cup against West Ham.

"Arbeloa has the balance right now. He has shored up the defence with a much- needed pacy centre back in David Affengruber in place of Joachim Anderson. He has figured out the right combination for our defensive midfielders in Sander Berge and Shea Charles. He has got Alex Iwobi back in the attacking, free-roaming role that suits him. And he has Josh King playing out of his skin.

"We are creating a lot of chances but we need to be more clinical. But, it's all work in progress and fans are much happier than they were."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

As we enter the season's first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games of the Premier League.

It has been a difficult start to life under Alvaro Arbeloa and Fulham sit second bottom without a win going into the extended break.

However, there have been signs of life - and greater stability - in the last two games, which ended in creditable draws against Liverpool and Manchester United.

How do you rate the Cottagers' start to the season and why? And what should Arbeloa be focusing on during the extended break?

Get in touch with your views here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Jeremy: A young team learning their trade. So close to a memorable win. Calvin Bassey/David Affengruber are building a great pairing. Joachim Andersen is causing us issues, after a great few years. Let the youngsters loose with Bernd Leno and Alex Iwobi.

Gordon: We played really well. Once we made the last substitutions, we set up to defend and that was our mistake. If we had taken Josh King off but replaced him with Emile Smith Rowe, we might have kept them more at bay and held on for the win. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. The team and manager should be proud of the performance but keep chins up and make sure our next game is as good. Keep the faith.

Keith: Have been a Fulham fan since 1974 with all the ups and downs. Can any Fulham fan please tell me why it seems we cannot defend a lead and concede so many late goals? Surely it must frustrate many Fulham fans and not just me.

Hillary: Just bad luck for the London boys. They were resilient and put pressure on the Red Devils - a draw wasn't bad, though.

Man Utd fans

Nigel: That was difficult to watch. Slow, laboured build-up with too many square and back passes. Once United reached the final third, the forward momentum halted and the ball inevitably went back or square. None of the forwards are producing the goods. It is clear to me that the starting eleven are a collection of individuals not yet gelling as a team. Michael Carrick must find a solution to that over the international break.

Peter: We learned that this team is not tactically good enough to do what we expect. Is it the players? Or the management team? Is it the owners? Is it all three? Whatever it is, this must be resolved sooner rather than later. With the Champions League looming, this could be embarrassing!

Mohammad: This team is disjointed with no leadership on the field. A bits-and-pieces team with lack of effort and lack of teamwork. You cannot score goals with nobody in the penalty area. Trying to do too much meaningless passing with every position, not performing to Premier League standards, whether it's the goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, or nothing going forward.

Mike: How have Manchester United gone from beating Manchester City, Arsenal and getting into top four after a rough start last season... to this mess again? They don't look like they have the desire. Same man in charge but a completely different looking team?

Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham are among several Premier League clubs monitoring 24-year-old Venezuela and Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Fulham starting XI:

Bernd Leno: On his toes to make an early save from Lisandro Martinez and scrambling when Matheus Cunha's effort looped onto a post. Denied Bryan Mbeumo with a full-length save. 7

Timothy Castagne: Booked for bringing Marcus Rashford down as Manchester United broke in the second half. 6

David Affengruber: Excellent defence-splitting pass to release Josh King, but he couldn't finish. Exceptionally fortunate to escape after being outwitted by Matheus Cunha close to the goalline but stepped in to take the ball off Bryan Mbeumo as he looked to counter. 7

Calvin Bassey: Not the easiest game positionally as Manchester United played without an orthodox centre-forward. Got forward to create Fulham's goal. 7

Antonee Robinson: Pushed into advanced areas in the inside forward position, which caused the visitors a defensive issue. 7

Sander Berge (Off, Larsson 76): Shot from the edge of the area turned away by Senne Lammens. 7

Shea Charles: Midfield partnership with Berge key in protecting Fulham defence when the visitors had extended spells of possession around the home area. Passing let him down on occasion. 6

Oscar Bobb (off Kevin, 70): Rolled an effort just wide of the post and probably should have done better. 6

Josh King (off Andersen, 79): Always looking to get on the ball and threaten. Took a good save from Lammens to deny him at the far post and his shot across goal was going in without the visitors' keeper kicking it away. Blotted his copybook by getting booked for diving. 8

Alex Iwobi (off Palacios, 70): Also tried to exploit the inside left channel when Fulham went forward. Low cross almost created a chance for Gonzalo Garcia and another deep one did for King. 7

Gonzalo Garcia (off Muniz, 79): Half a stride away from having a tap-in from an Iwobi cross from the left. 6

Fulham substitutes:

Palacios (on 70, Iwobi): Kept Fulham ticking over. 6

Kevin (on 70, Bobb): Settled in well. 6

Larsson (on 76, Berge): 6

Muniz (on 79, Garcia): 6

Andersen (on 79, King): 6

Subs not used:

Lecomte, Manuel Angel, Sessegnon, Smith Rowe.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

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Following three consecutive losses to start the season, Fulham might not have been thrilled to see a trip to Anfield and the visit of Manchester United as their next fixtures.

But they could yet prove two of the most important games of Alvaro Arbeloa's reign.

Two points gained, a feeling that with a little more luck they could have won either, and more than enough in the performances to see what the Spaniard wants from his side.

As at Liverpool last weekend, there was some eye-catching football on show from Fulham, playing out from the back and going smoothly from one end to the other in a flash.

The exciting Josh King, still just 19, will rightly be praised for his showing but perhaps the key for the west Londoners will be the vastly underrated Alex Iwobi.

The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder is 30, and has matured into an incredibly smart, if unglamourous player.

Playing from the left, he is responsible for conducting so many of Fulham's attacks and more often than not his decision is the right one as shown by his game-high five chances created, all without misplacing a pass.

With Bernd Leno in fine form, perhaps the one thing Arbeloa's team most need now is new striker Gonzalo Garcia to find his feet - and, more importantly, the net.

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I'm upset because we were so close, very unlucky with the goal we conceded. It is what it is, we need to keep working and improving. We knew this month would be difficult against top teams. I think we are in a good way.

"Both goalkeepers did good saves, many chances for both teams, two strange goals. Obviously we are upset to concede at the end.

"Calvin [Bassey] is one of the best at the back in the Premier League, he plays at a high level with and without the ball. He is doing so good.

"We have young players but also players with experience, like Sander [Berge] and Alex [Iwobi]. We have a good mix.

"We want points, that's the most important thing, but I think my players are working hard and open to learn. They are playing in the way we want to play. If we continue playing this way the victories will come.

"We now have three weeks without many players, some stay here and we will work with them. When they come back we will start again."

Did you know?

• This is just the fourth time that Fulham have failed to win any of their opening five games in a top-flight campaign (with 1951-52, 2011-12 and 2020-21), while they have been relegated in two of the previous three (51-52 and 20-21).

• There were 26 shots in the first half of this match between Fulham (nine) and Manchester United (17), the most in the opening half of a Premier League game with no goals scored on record (since 2003-04).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Bournemouth v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leeds United v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Manchester City v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Manchester United (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC

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Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

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New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

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You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Watching Fulham draw at Anfield last weekend changed my view on them.

I had not seen Alvaro Arbeloa's side over 90 minutes before and, while their other results were poor, this time they were excellent.

They cut through Liverpool and had some nice patterns of play, but also defended well too. Arbeloa said afterwards that they played with more balance and I think that is a good way to describe their display.

Then I went to Manchester United's defeat by Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and their performance was very poor.

Michael Carrick really needs a response with a win here to take into the international break, but how can I give United a chance after the way the Seagulls absolutely dismantled them?

Three times in the past four seasons, United have gone to Craven Cottage and nicked the win late on, but I can't make a case for that happening.

As well as having problems up front, United are struggling defensively and I can see Fulham creating plenty of opportunities against them too.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here