Although they missed out on a victory to start the new season, Arbeloa believes Fulham will continue to improve.

Fulham, after falling behind in their opening Premier League match of the 2026/27 season, ultimately lost 2-3 to Chelsea thanks to goals from Josh King and Gonzalo Garcia. Arbeloa stated that while he was disappointed at not being able to secure a victory, he still believes Fulham will continue to improve if they maintain this level of performance.

Just 30 seconds into the match, Palmer assisted João Pedro to chip the ball into the net, giving Chelsea a dream start of 1-0. In the 23rd minute, Castagne passed the ball across the box, and Josh King followed up to enter the penalty area and fire a shot into the net, helping Fulham equalize the score at 1-1.

In the 41st minute, Lacroix assisted an unmarked Morgan Rodgers from the penalty area to score, giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead over Fulham again.

In the 49th minute of the second half, João Pedro played a through ball from the penalty area, and Palmer fired a low shot into the net, extending Chelsea's lead to 3-1. In the 55th minute, Castagne gained possession and fired a shot, but it was saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Gonzalo Garcia then headed the ball into the net, making the score 2-3 for Fulham.

Ultimately, Fulham lost 2-3 to Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Fulham manager Arbeloa said, "It wasn't an easy game for us. We conceded a goal after just 30 seconds, but I think the team showed the character and resilience I want my players to have. We scored a goal through Josh King, and we actually had chances to score more in the first half. We conceded again before halftime, and then just minutes into the second half, we conceded another goal."

“These were relatively easy goals for Chelsea. When you make these kinds of mistakes against a team like this, they make us pay. I told the players we did what we were supposed to do, including pressing high and showing fighting spirit, and trying to create scoring opportunities like this while maintaining ambition. Of course I'm not happy because we lost a game we wanted to win for the fans. But I think this is how we should play.”

Arbeloa pointed out, "I think we will continue to improve, it takes time, but it's only the first game of the season. I've watched other Premier League games, and no team is really at their best right now. I see the energy we're looking for, and the pressing ability we're trying to show. As I told the players, no matter who we face, we will stick to playing this way and strive to continue playing this way."

“I’ve been talking to Josh King all summer, and I keep saying what an amazing player we have, it’s unbelievable. I know his talent, but for a player like that, talent and skill alone aren’t enough. They need to put up numbers, like Josh King, Oscar Bob, Palacios, and Kevin.”

In addition, Arbeloa said, "We have many young and talented players, but they need to score goals because, ultimately, scoring goals is the most important thing in football, and I hope they can score a lot of goals this season."

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