Alex Iwobi scored the decisive goal as Fulham beat Hull City 1-0 at Craven Cottage to claim their first Premier League victory of the 2026-27 season and end a winless opening run.

The Nigeria midfielder’s first-half strike took his Premier League tally to 36 goals, putting him joint-sixth among Nigeria’s leading scorers in the competition alongside former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie.

The result was also Alvaro Arbeloa’s first Premier League win since becoming Fulham manager in July. It provided relief for a side that had started the campaign with four defeats and two draws, and lifted them out of the relegation zone on five points.

Iwobi settled the match in the 33rd minute after Sander Berge recovered possession and found him on the edge of the penalty area. His low shot took a slight deflection from Lucas Herrington before going beyond Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis at his near post.

Fulham created a number of chances, including 10 shots in the first half, but could not add to their advantage. They were forced to defend their lead after Ryan Sessegnon was sent off in stoppage time.

Iwobi said the victory was a major relief for the players, coaching staff and supporters, having felt their performances in previous matches had deserved more favourable results. Speaking to Fulham TV, he added that the win had been a long time coming.

Sherwood praises ‘underrated’ Iwobi

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood named Iwobi Man of the Match and described him as one of the Premier League’s most underrated players.

Sherwood praised the 30-year-old’s consistency, versatility and ability to perform in several midfield positions. He also highlighted the number of matches Iwobi plays and the standard he maintains while being asked to fulfil different roles.

The performance underlined Iwobi’s growing importance to Fulham, with the midfielder contributing at both ends of the pitch and continuing to establish himself as a key player.

Iwobi accepted that Fulham needed to be more clinical after creating opportunities without making the scoreline safer. He said the team’s continued ability to generate chances should eventually lead to more goals.

He also pointed to the clean sheet as an important basis for future success, arguing that defensive strength gives Fulham a better opportunity to win matches.

Arbeloa said the performance was not dramatically different from those in Fulham’s earlier games, despite the improved result. His view matched Iwobi’s belief that the team’s displays had not always been reflected in their points total.

The manager had faced questions after the difficult start, but the victory gives him and his squad an opportunity to rebuild confidence. Fulham’s next league fixture is away to Coventry City on Saturday, 24 October, when Iwobi will look to add to his record-equalling total and help his side turn their first win into a more consistent run.