Fulham played their second London derby of the week and delivered Álvaro Arbeloa’s first competitive victory. Although AFC Wimbledon operate at a lower level than Monday’s opponents Chelsea, Thursday’s comfortable win over the League One side offered several encouraging signs for Arbeloa’s reshaped team.
Marco Silva often questioned the strength of Fulham’s squad before leaving for Benfica, but his successor inherited plenty of quality. Reviving Emile Smith Rowe and Rodrigo Muniz after their difficult campaigns last season could prove particularly valuable. Both players struck before half-time to put the contest beyond Wimbledon, allowing Fulham to use the second period for tactical experiments and opportunities for emerging talent. Gonzalo García added a late third after rounding goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, scoring for the second time this week and further increasing the excitement around the prominent summer arrival.
Arbeloa said the team needed fresh energy and a variety of attributes, adding that every member of the squad must feel valued.
A sizeable crowd gathered beside the river on a warm, humid evening, with Wimbledon’s travelling supporters making plenty of noise. It was the clubs’ first encounter since 2001, before the original Wimbledon moved to Milton Keynes and the present club emerged in response.
The starting lineups reflected the two managers’ priorities. Arbeloa made 10 changes from the Chelsea match, retaining only Oscar Bobb, while Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson changed six players. Shea Charles, another major summer recruit, impressed on his first start, with Arbeloa declaring that the young Northern Ireland midfielder was ready.
Luc De Fougerolles, recently back from representing Canada at the World Cup, made only his second Fulham appearance. The opposing left flanks also featured brothers, with Ryan Sessegnon playing for Fulham and former Fulham player Steven representing Wimbledon.
Jackson described it as a positive occasion for the club because his side had the chance to face elite opposition. He also praised the 5,000 travelling fans for their outstanding support.
Wimbledon remained faithful to their traditional strengths and threatened from dead-ball situations. After De Fougerolles headed a corner only partially clear, the ball reached captain Alistair Smith, whose effort went directly at Benjamin Lecomte. It proved to be the visitors’ best opportunity of the match.
Fulham controlled the game from that point and created a succession of chances before the goals arrived. Smith Rowe reacted angrily after slicing an effort wide, while Muniz was equally frustrated when he sent a chance over the bar following Smith Rowe’s flick.
Muniz quickly made amends, finishing from close range after Wimbledon defender James Tilley diverted the ball into his path. His restrained celebration contrasted with Arbeloa’s belief that the forward should receive more playing time.
The striker celebrated far more enthusiastically after heading home Kenny Tete’s cross. That reaction was understandable, as it was his first goal since the opening fixture of the previous season. Arbeloa underlined how important scoring is for any forward.
Eighteen-year-old Macaulay Zepa entered at half-time. Arbeloa arrived with a strong reputation for developing young players at Real Madrid, offering a contrast to Silva’s preference for experienced professionals. The quick and direct winger displayed considerable potential, as did fellow academy graduate Chibby Nwoko. Arbeloa highlighted their performances as one of the evening’s biggest positives and stressed the importance of academy players.
Fulham’s central defence blended youth and experience effectively through De Fougerolles and Joachim Andersen. Calvin Bassey replaced Andersen after an hour, while De Fougerolles departed shortly afterwards following discomfort from a blocking challenge. Arbeloa played down the issue and said there was no cause for concern.
The introductions of García and César Palacios, two young Madrid-born players who followed Arbeloa to the club, brought additional energy. García’s late finish provided another promising glimpse of Fulham’s new direction.
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