"Trust the process" - worth a read

[Snibbo]

Not a great fan of Fulhamish, but this is worth a read

Fulhamish
It's time for Fulham to trust the process
The signs of promise shouldn't go unnoticed despite what has proven to be a tough start.
Alex Mackenzie
Sep 07, 2026



As the fifth goal went in at Craven Cottage yesterday, my view of the penalty box could not have been more perfect. Right below me I witnessed the slide rule pass coming along the inside of a tiring Antonee Robinson, I gasped as Bernd Leno came rushing out recklessly, and then winced as Joachim Anderson wildly challenged from the wrong angle before the ball ballooned delightfully for Palace's Chilwell. I thought to myself, this reminds me of Wolves' 4-1 victory at the Cottage under Marco Silva. That was a day to forget for Fulham too. It was "sixes and sevens". But this was only one action in the Palace defeat, and it didn't show the full picture.

For 65 minutes or so, Fulham had Palace's number. At half-time Fulham could, and probably should, have been out of sight. Josh King was excellent, he made Adam Wharton look distinctly average in midfield in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was watching on. Shea Charles picked up the pockets inside our half and had Daichi Kamada looking at Pierre Sage in exasperation for assistance. Fulham were by far the better team with possession and outclassed their opponents. For their first goal, Palace got lucky that Timo Castagne was overly enthusiastic in trying to win the ball back. With Fulham pushing for the win as the game went on, it was clear to see they needed to stay calm and let Palace's poor form do the talking. Sadly they pushed too hard and high. Palace snatched victory without having to break into a gallop. The stats back this up. Don't be fooled by lazy punditry and the unimaginative media narrative. Fulham had 7 corners, Palace had 1. Fulham played 602 successful passes and Palace played 297. Fulham had 25 shots, Palace had 10. More than twice the output, but no reward...yet.

Arbeloa has impressively placed his imprint on the team in such a small space of time. It is astounding how well the players have responded to instructions. Fulham are far more exciting than they were last season. Whereby on large, Fulham unconvincingly managed to scrape through games with a one goal margin. What I've witnessed as a Fulham fan so far this season is remarkable. The fluidity and the tempo is another level. The way Fulham beat the Palace press, time after time, was breathtaking. Performance wise, I have no doubt that there will be games where Fulham completely dominate the occasion if the defending significantly improves.

Arbeloa is still at the beginning of his journey with the team. He'll be learning that there will be times in games where Fulham need to a) keep it tight for 15 minutes without possession, b) play more direct to stop the opposition getting into a rhythm, or c) keep the ball for long periods to nullify the game. He'll also be learning that a team can have more than one gear called 'go', and that players can preserve energy during a game to see out the latter stages.

There is a relatively new footballing cliche that needs to be rolled out in the halls of the Cottage. It is our turn to "trust the process". Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, even Pep Guardiola and now Adoni Iraola (who got his first win after 10 Premier League games) all struggled initially when stepping into this division. They were all backed and trusted through difficult patches nonetheless. They all learned quickly, they all adapted and began to understand the requirements. We have to trust that this manager, who shares his nationality with all these big names, can string a set of results together before it is too late.

Additionally, Arbeloa's press conferences and interviews seem to be a masterclass in composure. He doesn't seem to relish smashing up the microphone unless absolutely necessary. Comparing Arbeloa's calmness to the rage of discarded Premier League managers Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou is for the birds.

At the beginning of the season I implored Fulham fans to be patient, and warned that there will be tactical tweaks that may not deliver immediately. It is time to echo that sentiment. The whole squad will be feeling the impact of this reset. Short-term thinking, snap judgements and quick impulsive decisions should be limited to very occasional involuntary defensive lapses taking place on the pitch.

As fans, we have to back the new plan and give it a chance. After all, Silva left us high and dry. Almost all of his specifically requested recruits played yesterday. Fulham can make him look foolish if we meet Benfica in Europe next year as swashbuckling jugadors complete with defensive solidity. In my humble opinion, that defensive solidity is the next points winning piece required to see the full picture in the Arbeloa puzzle.

[Moussa Dembele the 3rd]

What process?

[the nutflush]

"What I've witnessed as a Fulham fan so far this season is remarkable. The fluidity and the tempo is another level. "...You would swear he was watching Brazil playing the Galapagos Islands....Please....

[hovewhite]

Not a great fan of Fulhamish, but this is worth a read

Fulhamish
It's time for Fulham to trust the process
The signs of promise shouldn't go unnoticed despite what has proven to be a tough start.
Alex Mackenzie
Sep 07, 2026



As the fifth goal went in at Craven Cottage yesterday, my view of the penalty box could not have been more perfect. Right below me I witnessed the slide rule pass coming along the inside of a tiring Antonee Robinson, I gasped as Bernd Leno came rushing out recklessly, and then winced as Joachim Anderson wildly challenged from the wrong angle before the ball ballooned delightfully for Palace's Chilwell. I thought to myself, this reminds me of Wolves' 4-1 victory at the Cottage under Marco Silva. That was a day to forget for Fulham too. It was "sixes and sevens". But this was only one action in the Palace defeat, and it didn't show the full picture.

For 65 minutes or so, Fulham had Palace's number. At half-time Fulham could, and probably should, have been out of sight. Josh King was excellent, he made Adam Wharton look distinctly average in midfield in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was watching on. Shea Charles picked up the pockets inside our half and had Daichi Kamada looking at Pierre Sage in exasperation for assistance. Fulham were by far the better team with possession and outclassed their opponents. For their first goal, Palace got lucky that Timo Castagne was overly enthusiastic in trying to win the ball back. With Fulham pushing for the win as the game went on, it was clear to see they needed to stay calm and let Palace's poor form do the talking. Sadly they pushed too hard and high. Palace snatched victory without having to break into a gallop. The stats back this up. Don't be fooled by lazy punditry and the unimaginative media narrative. Fulham had 7 corners, Palace had 1. Fulham played 602 successful passes and Palace played 297. Fulham had 25 shots, Palace had 10. More than twice the output, but no reward...yet.

Arbeloa has impressively placed his imprint on the team in such a small space of time. It is astounding how well the players have responded to instructions. Fulham are far more exciting than they were last season. Whereby on large, Fulham unconvincingly managed to scrape through games with a one goal margin. What I've witnessed as a Fulham fan so far this season is remarkable. The fluidity and the tempo is another level. The way Fulham beat the Palace press, time after time, was breathtaking. Performance wise, I have no doubt that there will be games where Fulham completely dominate the occasion if the defending significantly improves.

Arbeloa is still at the beginning of his journey with the team. He'll be learning that there will be times in games where Fulham need to a) keep it tight for 15 minutes without possession, b) play more direct to stop the opposition getting into a rhythm, or c) keep the ball for long periods to nullify the game. He'll also be learning that a team can have more than one gear called 'go', and that players can preserve energy during a game to see out the latter stages.

There is a relatively new footballing cliche that needs to be rolled out in the halls of the Cottage. It is our turn to "trust the process". Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, even Pep Guardiola and now Adoni Iraola (who got his first win after 10 Premier League games) all struggled initially when stepping into this division. They were all backed and trusted through difficult patches nonetheless. They all learned quickly, they all adapted and began to understand the requirements. We have to trust that this manager, who shares his nationality with all these big names, can string a set of results together before it is too late.

Additionally, Arbeloa's press conferences and interviews seem to be a masterclass in composure. He doesn't seem to relish smashing up the microphone unless absolutely necessary. Comparing Arbeloa's calmness to the rage of discarded Premier League managers Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou is for the birds.

At the beginning of the season I implored Fulham fans to be patient, and warned that there will be tactical tweaks that may not deliver immediately. It is time to echo that sentiment. The whole squad will be feeling the impact of this reset. Short-term thinking, snap judgements and quick impulsive decisions should be limited to very occasional involuntary defensive lapses taking place on the pitch.

As fans, we have to back the new plan and give it a chance. After all, Silva left us high and dry. Almost all of his specifically requested recruits played yesterday. Fulham can make him look foolish if we meet Benfica in Europe next year as swashbuckling jugadors complete with defensive solidity. In my humble opinion, that defensive solidity is the next points winning piece required to see the full picture in the Arbeloa puzzle.

Not a great fan of Fulhamish, but this is worth a read

Fulhamish
It's time for Fulham to trust the process
The signs of promise shouldn't go unnoticed despite what has proven to be a tough start.
Alex Mackenzie
Sep 07, 2026



As the fifth goal went in at Craven Cottage yesterday, my view of the penalty box could not have been more perfect. Right below me I witnessed the slide rule pass coming along the inside of a tiring Antonee Robinson, I gasped as Bernd Leno came rushing out recklessly, and then winced as Joachim Anderson wildly challenged from the wrong angle before the ball ballooned delightfully for Palace's Chilwell. I thought to myself, this reminds me of Wolves' 4-1 victory at the Cottage under Marco Silva. That was a day to forget for Fulham too. It was "sixes and sevens". But this was only one action in the Palace defeat, and it didn't show the full picture.

For 65 minutes or so, Fulham had Palace's number. At half-time Fulham could, and probably should, have been out of sight. Josh King was excellent, he made Adam Wharton look distinctly average in midfield in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was watching on. Shea Charles picked up the pockets inside our half and had Daichi Kamada looking at Pierre Sage in exasperation for assistance. Fulham were by far the better team with possession and outclassed their opponents. For their first goal, Palace got lucky that Timo Castagne was overly enthusiastic in trying to win the ball back. With Fulham pushing for the win as the game went on, it was clear to see they needed to stay calm and let Palace's poor form do the talking. Sadly they pushed too hard and high. Palace snatched victory without having to break into a gallop. The stats back this up. Don't be fooled by lazy punditry and the unimaginative media narrative. Fulham had 7 corners, Palace had 1. Fulham played 602 successful passes and Palace played 297. Fulham had 25 shots, Palace had 10. More than twice the output, but no reward...yet.

Arbeloa has impressively placed his imprint on the team in such a small space of time. It is astounding how well the players have responded to instructions. Fulham are far more exciting than they were last season. Whereby on large, Fulham unconvincingly managed to scrape through games with a one goal margin. What I've witnessed as a Fulham fan so far this season is remarkable. The fluidity and the tempo is another level. The way Fulham beat the Palace press, time after time, was breathtaking. Performance wise, I have no doubt that there will be games where Fulham completely dominate the occasion if the defending significantly improves.

Arbeloa is still at the beginning of his journey with the team. He'll be learning that there will be times in games where Fulham need to a) keep it tight for 15 minutes without possession, b) play more direct to stop the opposition getting into a rhythm, or c) keep the ball for long periods to nullify the game. He'll also be learning that a team can have more than one gear called 'go', and that players can preserve energy during a game to see out the latter stages.

There is a relatively new footballing cliche that needs to be rolled out in the halls of the Cottage. It is our turn to "trust the process". Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, even Pep Guardiola and now Adoni Iraola (who got his first win after 10 Premier League games) all struggled initially when stepping into this division. They were all backed and trusted through difficult patches nonetheless. They all learned quickly, they all adapted and began to understand the requirements. We have to trust that this manager, who shares his nationality with all these big names, can string a set of results together before it is too late.

Additionally, Arbeloa's press conferences and interviews seem to be a masterclass in composure. He doesn't seem to relish smashing up the microphone unless absolutely necessary. Comparing Arbeloa's calmness to the rage of discarded Premier League managers Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou is for the birds.

At the beginning of the season I implored Fulham fans to be patient, and warned that there will be tactical tweaks that may not deliver immediately. It is time to echo that sentiment. The whole squad will be feeling the impact of this reset. Short-term thinking, snap judgements and quick impulsive decisions should be limited to very occasional involuntary defensive lapses taking place on the pitch.

As fans, we have to back the new plan and give it a chance. After all, Silva left us high and dry. Almost all of his specifically requested recruits played yesterday. Fulham can make him look foolish if we meet Benfica in Europe next year as swashbuckling jugadors complete with defensive solidity. In my humble opinion, that defensive solidity is the next points winning piece required to see the full picture in the Arbeloa puzzle.

I feel much more enthusiastic about this season and feel happier about the teams attacking plan under AA.
I do think he needs to adjust the back line up from Leno through and believe he will.

[fulhamfan]

Not a great fan of Fulhamish

Why not? just curious

[RaySmith]

Good op.
We should have won with all the chances we created.
Need to give the new manager a chance.

[Cobh Fulham Fan]

I have a strong feeling we will all be here in the not too distant future, laughing at all this, and maybe with a little embarrassment for those with so little faith.

[andyk]

This new manager is demanding a lot more from players who were getting complacent. Leno, Anderson, Iwobi, Robinson, Muniz. They've been here a few years, clocking in at about 80% effort, application under Marco. I definitely think they have the talent. Can they up their game?

[Jock White]

My Liverpool supporting buddy of 50 years came to the game, enjoyed it as a neutral and reckoned Henderson was man of the match keeping us out.
Yes defending was shambolic at times and we were undone by two keystone cops moments especially GG running the length of the pitch to kick the ball from Leno's hands straight to a Palace player for the 2nd equaliser but it was exciting and not the borefest of Parkerball and at times Marco last season.
Onwards and upwards - I hope...

[Friendsoffulham]

Not a great fan of Fulhamish

Why not? just curious

Not really sure that's a conversation for this Forum, it's just the OP's opinion.

On a wider spectrum, they are not really favourable with us either, and we tend not to promote their content.

In the early days of Fulhamish, they tried abusing this Forum to push all their content, without asking any permission, or giving anything back.

This is nothing personal to them, but at the time, they just thought they were above FOF, so our stance on this still remains.

[Andrew]

I do not accept the article as a balanced view of what we are witnessing.

At 2 1 up we seemed to be cruising but from the moment the equaliser went in, it seemed to me it was more likely they would win.

We made poor substitutions and only when Muniz came on and began to link up with Garcia did we look like we might actually threaten but that was way to late to make a difference.

I don't trust any process when the process is likely to be this inflexible.

An aeroplanes wings bend in flight, a tree bends in the wind..... if they were rigid they would snap.

Three games no flexibility, we lost them all.

Liverpool away will be interesting especially as they are in Europe on Wednesday. I am looking for a process where I see a little bit of pragmatism creep in and a lot of defensive organisation being put in place.

[ScalleysDad]

My Liverpool supporting buddy of 50 years came to the game, enjoyed it as a neutral and reckoned Henderson was man of the match keeping us out.
Yes defending was shambolic at times and we were undone by two keystone cops moments especially GG running the length of the pitch to kick the ball from Leno's hands straight to a Palace player for the 2nd equaliser but it was exciting and not the borefest of Parkerball and at times Marco last season.
Onwards and upwards - I hope...

It's odd what the neutrals or rivals think whilst 'we' are mostly beating ourselves up. An Evertonian was at the game and said we look good but for the errors at the back and so much more interesting to watch than post Palace last season, two Forest fans I met this morning said virtually the same and commented on the transfers turning things around and my eldest watching MoTD in Berlin with a couple of mates all said they thought we would win by a couple until Chilwell came on. My eldest has been to enough games to recognise the threat of somebody resurrecting their career and not scoring for yonks.
Again I say we will know more after the Coventry game.

[LittleErn]

Good op.
We should have won with all the chances we created.
Need to give the new manager a chance.

Why didn't we?

[Southcoastffc]

 "In my humble opinion, that defensive solidity is the next points winning piece required to see the full picture in the Arbeloa puzzle."   Did it really take 8 paragraphs to get to the stage of stating the bleeding obvious?

[Porthogs FC]

This new manager is demanding a lot more from players who were getting complacent. Leno, Anderson, Iwobi, Robinson, Muniz. They've been here a few years, clocking in at about 80% effort, application under Marco. I definitely think they have the talent. Can they up their game?

Probably the most apt assessment—80% effort from those that forgot that they should be giving it their all.