Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa discussed his team’s performance following their defeat to Chelsea in a recent match. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Arbeloa noted the difficulties of conceding goals at critical moments, stating, “We concede goals in the first minute, the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half, and there are not worse moments to concede. But we showed character and personality, and I am very proud of how my players responded. We deserved a little bit more, but football is not about what you deserve; it is about what you take.”

He emphasized that losing to a team like Chelsea warranted more effort from them, remarking, “If you lose against a team like Chelsea, they should have to do a little bit more. For me, they are easy goals for them and mistakes we cannot make. We need to improve and be more ready in the first minute, that is for sure.”

Despite the setback, Arbeloa expressed optimism about his team’s progress. “We are on our way and we will keep improving. The first thing I want to see is a competitive team. We were tonight; we tried our best and tried to play our football against a team like Chelsea, which is not easy.”

He showed confidence in his players, particularly highlighting Josh King’s contributions. “Josh King is absolutely amazing. What a player you have here, and I am really happy with him. Gonzalo [Garcia] scored and Cesar [Palacios] did well. I think they need a bit more time, but they are doing great and making an impact already.”

Did you know?

• Gonzalo Garcia became the first player to score on his Premier League debut for Fulham since Chris David in May 2014 against Crystal Palace.

• Josh King became the third Fulham player to net multiple goals as a teenager in the Premier League (two), joining Collins John (nine) and Ryan Sessegnon (two). He is the first teenager to score in the opening game for any club since 18-year-old Evan Ferguson for Brighton in 2023-24.

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “We concede goals in the first minute, the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half and there are not worse moments to concede. But we showed character and personality and I am very proud of how my players responded. We deserved a little bit more but football is not about what you deserve, it is about what you take.

“If you lose against a team like Chelsea they [should] have to do a little bit more. For me, they are easy goals for them and mistakes we cannot make. We need to improve and be more ready in the first minute, that is for sure.

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“We are on our way and we will keep improving. The first thing I want to see is a competitive team. We were tonight, we tried our best and tried to play our football against a team like Chelsea, which is not easy.

“I believe in them and I believe in young players. I think they have the energy and ambition I want and they fit in the way I play. Josh King is absolutely amazing. What a player you have here and I am really happy with him. Gonzalo [Garcia] scored and Cesar [Palacios] did well. I think they need a bit more time but they are doing great and making an impact already.”

Did you know?

• Gonzalo Garcia became the first player to score on his Premier League debut for Fulham since Chris David in May 2014 vs Crystal Palace.

• Josh King became the third Fulham player to net multiple goals as a teenager in the Premier League (two), along with Collins John (nine) and Ryan Sessegnon (two). He is the first teenager to score in the opening game for any club since 18-year-old Evan Ferguson for Brighton in 2023-24.