Fulham's early season struggles appear to be receding, with optimists finding renewed hope after securing vital points from their October fixtures against newly promoted sides. Despite a recent defeat at Ipswich, the team's performance has largely validated this optimism, leading to a rise in the League standings. The victories over Hull and Coventry City, while not heralding a completely new era, have seen a return to the dominant possession play characteristic of last season, albeit requiring moments of individual brilliance to seal wins. Alex Iwobi's goal was decisive against Hull, and Oscar Bobb provided a stunning winner at the Coventry Building Society Arena. However, a Carabao Cup tie saw the Whites succumb once more to Crystal Palace.
In the match against Coventry, with Sander Berge indisposed, Hugo Larsson joined the starting eleven. In challenging gusty and damp weather, Fulham experienced their customary slow start, allowing Brandon Thomas-Asante an early shot. Oscar Bobb then created two opportunities for Gonzalo Garcia, both thwarted by Frank Lampard's defenders. Following Bernd Leno's save from a Tatsuhiro Sakamoto shot, Shea Charles's effort was tame, and Josh King hit the woodwork, with Alex Iwobi failing to convert the rebound. Despite most of the play occurring in the Coventry half, Garcia's apparent lack of confidence and Iwobi's inability to replicate his Hull form could have been costly, especially as Thomas-Asante had another chance to put the home team ahead.
Just before half-time, Calvin Bassey appealed for a penalty when Thomas-Asante tugged his jersey, but referee Jarred Gillett deemed it a 50/50 tussle, a decision upheld by VAR. The home side showed more determination after the break, with their own unanswered penalty appeals, including a possible handball by Iwobi and Antonee Robinson. In the final twenty minutes, as both teams pushed for a winner, Bernd Leno gathered the ball in a melee, and a superb Ephron Mason-Clark cross went unconverted. A decisive passage of play saw goalkeeper Carl Rushworth tip a shot from substitute Rodrigo Muniz over the bar under pressure. From the subsequent corner, King passed to Oscar Bobb, who tormented Jack Rudoni before finding the net for his first League goal for Fulham, a feat reminiscent of his earlier masterstroke against West Ham in the Carabao Cup. Alvaro Arbeloa's decision to withdraw Bobb and King was vindicated, and Fulham calmly saw out the remainder of the match, earning three valuable points, with Tom Cairney and Kenny Tete managing the closing stages.
The weekend also proved successful for Fulham Women, who beat Enfield Town 3-0 to qualify for the Second Round Proper of the Women's FA Cup, setting up a tie against Real Bedford. Earlier in the week, the women's team had travelled to Lewes and secured a 1-0 victory. Meanwhile, Fulham loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi played a significant role in Fleetwood's historic Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Arsenal.
In a Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace, Fulham fielded a strong team against an experimental Palace line-up. Despite controlling the first half-hour, Fulham managed only one shot on target, a low drive from Antonee Robinson saved by Dean Henderson. Kenny Tete and Joachim Andersen also had heading opportunities, highlighting a perceived lack of a consistent goalscorer. Palace also appeared to lack attacking threat, leading to a scrappy match. A moment of footballing quality saw Eddie Nketiah score after dispossessing Alex Iwobi, catching Andersen out of position. Fulham now needed a goal to stay in the competition. The second half saw little improvement, though Muniz had a shot on target. The introduction of Josh King and Tom Cairney for Larsson and Cesar Palacios increased the tempo, leading to action at both ends. LeComte made saves from Dwight McNeil, and Cairney and Iwobi came close to equalising. Late substitute Garcia's header was comfortably dealt with by Henderson, and Fulham were spared a penalty shootout.
