Bassey Starts, Iwobi Features as Alvaro Arbeloa Loses First Fulham Match

Calvin Bassey started while Alex Iwobi featured as substitute as Alvaro Arbeloa suffered defeat in his first match in charge of Fulham, with Norwich City securing a 2-0 victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Motspur Park on Saturday.

Norwich took the lead in the 19th minute when Anis Ben Slimane tapped home from close range after being set up by Mathias Kvistgaarden.

The visitors’ high press caused problems for Fulham throughout the first half, with Bernd Leno forced into a good save to deny Matěj Jurásek from doubling Norwich’s advantage.

Arbeloa made 12 changes at half-time, but Norwich continued to pose the greater threat. The Championship side eventually doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark when Harry Darling headed home from close range after Dylan Jones headed Jacob Wright’s corner back across goal.

Fulham struggled to find a way back into the contest despite late opportunities, with Tom Cairney sending a free-kick wide and Norwich goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte making a save to deny Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham used 24 players during the match and will now travel to Portugal for their pre-season training camp. Their next fixture will be against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira on Tuesday evening.