Something to build on

Alvaro Arbeloa says Fulham are improving and it is a fair assessment after draws against Liverpool and Manchester United at the end of a testing start in the Premier League.

A third consecutive defeat in early September at home to Crystal Palace heightened concerns Fulham may be in a relegation fight after four trouble-free seasons under Marco Silva, but they have something to build on heading into the international break.

King and Affengruber to the fore

Josh King has been their brightest player across the first five games with two goals and is showing why he is so highly regarded by the club having come through the academy.

David Affengruber, an £8.5m summer signing from Elche, shone on debut at centre-back against Liverpool and appears to have dislodged Joachim Andersen for now.

Gonzalo Garcia scored on the opening day of the season following his move from Real Madrid but has managed just two shots on target from 15 so far.

The next six weeks will be pivotal for Arbeloa. He has more time to work with his squad now ahead of fixtures against the three newly-promoted clubs when the season resumes.