Iwobi gives Fulham first league win under Arbeloa as Hull lose 1-0

Alex Iwobi's first-half goal gave Fulham a 1-0 home victory over Hull, securing Álvaro Arbeloa's first Premier League win in charge at the seventh attempt. According to the Guardian's match report, the result lifted Fulham off the bottom of the table, while Hull's winless run extended to five matches after a performance that offered little attacking threat.

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Fulham created the decisive opening from the right. Brooke Norton-Cuffy held off Josh King but could not clear the ball, allowing Sander Berge to direct it towards Iwobi. The winger struck first time through a crowd of players, and the shot slipped beneath goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis at the near post. It proved enough to settle a match in which Fulham had opportunities to score more.

Iwobi and Oscar Bobb provided attacking impetus from the flanks, while King found space against Hull's defensive shape. Hull coach Sergej Jakirovic changed his team at the interval, replacing booked centre-back Lucas Herrington with midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. The adjustment did not prevent Fulham from creating further chances, and King combined with Shea Charles before sending a low effort too close to Tzolakis.

King later turned away from Semi Ajayi to help create another opening for Iwobi, but the goalkeeper read and stopped the winger's shot. Gonzalo García also failed to extend the lead, heading Iwobi's cross against the crossbar despite being unmarked at the far post. Those missed chances kept the margin at one goal rather than reflecting Fulham's control of the contest.

Ryan Sessegnon was sent off in stoppage time for a challenge on Robinio Vaz that caught the Hull player's Achilles with his studs. Fulham nevertheless protected their advantage to complete the win. They had previously surrendered leads against Ipswich and Manchester United, making this a different outcome after another match in which they moved ahead without immediately putting the result beyond doubt.

Speaking afterwards, Arbeloa stressed the need to convert chances so his team could approach the closing minutes with greater comfort. Jakirovic, meanwhile, described Hull's display as their worst since he took charge and criticised their competitiveness in challenges. For Fulham, the immediate reward was a first league victory of the season and movement away from last place.