Alex Iwobi matches Peter Odemwingie record as Fulham claim first win

Alex Iwobi scored the winner as Fulham beat Hull City 1-0 at Craven Cottage to end their winless start to the 2026-27 Premier League season.

The Nigeria midfielder’s first-half goal took him to 36 Premier League goals, level with former West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie in joint-sixth place among Nigeria’s leading scorers in the competition.

The result was Fulham’s first league victory of the campaign after four defeats and two draws. It lifted Alvaro Arbeloa’s side to five points and moved them out of the relegation zone.

Iwobi struck in the 33rd minute after Sander Berge recovered a loose ball and found him near the edge of the penalty area. His low shot took a slight deflection off Lucas Herrington and beat Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis at his near post.

The goal proved decisive, although Fulham had to defend their narrow advantage for much of the second half. They created 10 shots before the interval but were unable to add to their lead.

Their task became more difficult when Ryan Sessegnon was sent off in stoppage time. Fulham nevertheless held on to secure three points that provided relief for the players, coaching staff and supporters following a difficult opening to the season.

Iwobi said the victory had been a long time coming and felt Fulham’s performances in their previous matches had warranted better results. He also acknowledged that the hosts needed to be more clinical in front of goal, while stressing that continued chance creation should eventually lead to more goals.

The midfielder identified the clean sheet as another important feature of the result, with defensive resilience giving Fulham a stronger platform from which to win matches.

Iwobi was named Man of the Match and received praise from former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood, who described him as one of the Premier League’s most underrated players.

Sherwood highlighted the 30-year-old’s consistency, versatility and ability to perform in several midfield positions. He also praised Iwobi for maintaining high standards while adapting to different roles, despite noting that the opponents were Hull City.

The performance underlined Iwobi’s growing importance to Fulham, with the midfielder contributing at both ends of the pitch and continuing to provide goals, creativity and flexibility.

The victory was also Arbeloa’s first Premier League win since he took charge of Fulham in July. The manager had faced scrutiny after the club’s poor start, but the victory gives him and his squad an opportunity to rebuild confidence.

Arbeloa said the performance was not dramatically different from Fulham’s displays in earlier matches, echoing Iwobi’s view that results had not always reflected their level of play.

Fulham will visit Coventry City on Saturday, October 24, with Iwobi hoping to score again and help his side build a more consistent run rather than allow the win over Hull City to stand alone.