'They are the present and future' – Arbeloa hails Fulham's young core after Coventry win

Alvaro Arbeloa praised Fulham's young core following Saturday's victory over Coventry City, describing them as "the present and future of the club." 

Fulham sealed a 1-0 victory at CBS Arena courtesy of Oscar Bobb's maiden Premier League goal of the season and for Fulham – a lovely 80th-minute, curling strike. 

Clear-cut chances had been scarce before Bobb's breakthrough, though Josh King came closest when his powerful first-half strike crashed off the post. 

The result marked Fulham's second victory of the season, following their 1-0 triumph over Hull City last time out. 

It also signalled the first time they had won consecutive Premier League matches since March, when they beat Sunderland and Tottenham, while they last recorded back-to-back wins without conceding in December 2025. 

"I'm so happy. Again, a very good game for us in a difficult stadium against a tough team," Arbeloa told Sky Sports. 

"This is what we want: run, press, play our football and win games.  

"We need goals from Oscar Bobb, Josh King and Gonzalo [Garcia]. They are young players and, obviously, as a coach, it could be easier to sign players with experience.  

"Last season, Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez were there – players with 300 or 500 games in their legs and in their heads. Everything is easier when you have that experience. 

"But these players are young and have the talent. I trust them because I think they are the present and the future of Fulham. I'm so happy and pleased with this young talent.

"We are working so hard every day. We are a team that need to give our best every day.  

"We started preparing for this game at the beginning of the week, and I'm so happy with everybody. This is the way we have to play." 

Following Saturday's win, Fulham ended a run of eight away games without a win, having alternated between a draw (four) and a loss (four) each time. 

Moreover, Bobb ended a run of 29 Premier League appearances without a goal contribution, having last registered an assist in the league for Manchester City against Wolves in August 2025. 

It also marked the Norwegian's second-ever goal in the league, with his first coming for City against Newcastle United in January 2024. 

Coventry boss Frank Lampard, meanwhile, saw his losing run extended, as he has now won just three of his last 25 Premier League matches (D4 L18). 

"They are a good team and there was not much in it with limited chances," Lampard told Sky Sports. 

"That is the story of this league. The gap is what it is. Games like this come along. We want to win but if you can't, don't lose them.  

"We were off our usual selves. We have to try and turn that."