Ipswich stun Fulham late as Arbeloa faces Premier League learning curve

Alvaro Arbeloa is going to have to learn quickly if he is to survive the Premier League. Ipswich's 2-1 victory over Fulham was a painful reminder that managing at the highest level is about more than having a tactical plan — it is about understanding the physical demands of this league, recognising momentum shifts and knowing when to make the right substitutions.

Fulham's decision to retreat in the closing stages was almost Thomas Tuchel-esque in England's approach against Argentina. The invitation was there for Ipswich to pile on the pressure, and they duly obliged, scoring twice late on to turn the game around — just like Argentina did.

Bringing on the lightweight Manuel Ángel for a Premier League debut felt like a gamble at precisely the wrong moment. With Ipswich turning the contest into a physical battle, Fulham needed players capable of matching that intensity, winning second balls and relieving the pressure. Instead, Ipswich's power and directness came to the fore when it mattered most.