Alvaro Arbeloa has urged Fulham to remain patient after suffering a third successive Premier League defeat.
Fulham twice led Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday but ultimately suffered a 3-2 defeat, with Ben Chilwell scoring the winner three minutes after returning to the Palace side. The result prompted boos from some home supporters and left Arbeloa’s side without a point after three league matches.
The Spaniard, who replaced Marco Silva during the summer, believes there were enough positives in the performance to suggest results will eventually follow.
“We didn’t deserve to lose this game,” Arbeloa told BBC’s Match of the Day. “My players did everything – good attitude, they were brave, so many chances to score more goals.
“They took their chances – in the end football is about that. We did many good things to win the game. It was similar against Chelsea but we lose.”
Fulham recorded an expected goals figure of 3.13 against Palace’s 1.97, having also pushed Chelsea close in their opening match despite losing 3-2 at home. They were beaten by Sunderland in between those results.
Arbeloa accepts the immediate situation is difficult, particularly with Liverpool and Manchester United next on the Premier League schedule, while West Ham United await in the Carabao Cup.
“For sure. Three games, three losses, so it’s difficult,” he said. “But I told my players this month, this month will not define our entire season.
“I think they are working so hard, they are giving everything they have, and with this mentality, with this character, I am sure that win will come.”
The Fulham manager also highlighted the performances of new arrivals Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia. Palacios scored against Palace, while Garcia has already found the net in the league and EFL Cup this season.
Arbeloa will now look for a response at Anfield before Fulham host United, with the club facing the possibility of reaching the first international break still searching for their first Premier League points.
The Spaniard, a former Real Madrid, Liverpool and West Ham player and 56-time Spain international, is no stranger to high-pressure environments. He insists, however, that his players’ attitude gives him confidence that Fulham can turn their fortunes around.
“With that spirit and character, if we play in this way the victories will come,” he said.
