Arbeloa Defiant as Fulham Stay Bottom After Ipswich Stoppage-Time Blow
Fulham slipped to a 2-1 stoppage-time defeat at Ipswich Town after surrendering Ryan Sessegnon’s second-half opener, leaving Alvaro Arbeloa’s side without a Premier League win in six matches and rooted to the bottom of the table.
Why the result matters for Fulham
| Match detail | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Result | Ipswich Town 2-1 Fulham |
| Fulham scorer | Ryan Sessegnon, 55th minute |
| Ipswich scorers | Abdoul Ouattara, 88th minute; Dara O’Shea, 90+2 minutes |
| Fulham league run | Six games without a win |
| Gap to Ipswich | Seven points |
| Next fixture | Hull City at Craven Cottage, Saturday |
Sessegnon appeared to have put Fulham on course for Arbeloa’s first league victory as manager when he struck in the 55th minute at Portman Road. The visitors could not see out the contest, however, as Ipswich produced a late turnaround.
Ouattara brought the home side level with a powerful effort from around 30 yards in the 88th minute. Ipswich then won it in the second minute of added time, when O’Shea met Jack Clarke’s free-kick with a header.
Arbeloa shook hands with Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil before heading directly down the tunnel at the final whistle. The former Real Madrid coach insisted that discussion of his own future was secondary to Fulham’s need to improve their position.
“I do not spend time worrying about my job,” Arbeloa said. “A coach cannot work properly if he is frightened. You have to make decisions, work hard and give the players belief.
“There are plenty of things I am pleased with in the group, even though I know this is difficult for them. The issue is Fulham’s situation, not mine. It is only six matches, but we have to start collecting points.”
Asked about external pressure, Arbeloa pointed to his background at Real Madrid and said scrutiny had been part of his career from a young age. He said pressure was an unavoidable part of football for players, coaches and everyone around a team, adding that he regarded it as important rather than something to fear.
The loss was Fulham’s fourth league defeat of the season. They have now conceded after the 75th minute against Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Ipswich, a recurring problem that has proved costly in their early relegation battle.
Ipswich find late reward
O’Neil celebrated a third league win of the campaign after his substitutes helped Ipswich sustain their momentum during the closing stages. Chuba Akpom and Clarke were introduced as the home side pushed for a result, with Clarke supplying the decisive set-piece delivery.
O’Neil praised his players’ collective effort and their refusal to stop attacking. He felt Ipswich looked stronger over the final 20 minutes, when Fulham began to tire, and credited the substitutes with helping his side maintain their intensity.
The Ipswich manager also highlighted the significance of competing with a Fulham team that has been established in the Premier League in recent seasons, describing himself as very proud of the group.
Fulham now return to Craven Cottage to face Hull on Saturday, needing a response to prevent the gap to the sides above them from widening further.
