Rodrigo Muniz finally broke a protracted goal‑scoring slump, delivering the opening strike that helped Alvaro Arbeloa secure his first victory in charge and guide Fulham to a comfortable 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup. The Brazilian forward’s goal was his first since August 16, 2025, and it arrived in the form of a well‑timed header that looped back across the six‑yard line after a precise cross from Kenny Tete. The set‑up began when Emile Smith‑Rowe, playing a more advanced role, nudged the ball forward and created a near‑certain chance for the visitors, effectively sealing a third‑round berth against West Ham before the interval. After the final whistle, Arbeloa praised his attackers, saying, "Goals are the lifeblood of any striker, and Rodrigo has been working tirelessly to regain his touch.
We have a strong attacking unit with him and Gonzalo Garcia – two different types of forwards, but both are essential for our plans. Both men found the net tonight and the dressing room is buzzing with happiness." The manager’s comments highlighted the importance of having multiple goal‑scoring options, especially as Fulham look to build momentum in the early stages of the season.
The match began with Wimbledon showing resilience in the opening thirty minutes at Craven Cottage, the first ever encounter between the two London clubs. The home side pressed high and created a few early chances, but they could not find a breakthrough.
Fulham’s persistence paid off just before the half‑hour mark when Smith‑Rowe’s header was expertly saved, only for Muniz to react quickest and tap the ball home with a clean, powerful header. The goal not only ended Muniz’s year‑long drought but also gave Fulham a psychological edge that they would never relinquish.
The second half saw Fulham dominate possession and generate a flurry of opportunities. New signing Macaulay Zepa, who made his debut at right‑back, injected energy into the flank with his pace and overlapping runs.
Although he did not score, his contribution was vital in stretching the Wimbledon defense and creating space for his teammates. In the added time of the second half, Zepa provided the assist for Gonzalo Garcia’s second consecutive goal. Garcia, the high‑profile summer acquisition, collected a through‑ball, beat Dan Sweeney with a quick turn, and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, sealing the 3-0 victory.
The match’s key moments were captured in a detailed timeline: at the 22‑minute mark, Wimbledon’s Callum Maycock nearly threatened an upset with a cross that skimmed the far post. Two minutes later, Smith‑Rowe struck a half‑volley from the edge of the box that rattled the near post but failed to find the net. At the 37‑minute point, Smith‑Rowe redeemed himself by heading in a pass from Ryan Sessegnon, giving Fulham the lead.
Four minutes later, Muniz’s header from Tete’s cross doubled the advantage. The second half opened with Zepa replacing Oscar Bobb, marking his official debut for the club. In the 75th minute, a controversial handball by Andy Yiadom went unpunished, sparking debate among the spectators.
The 90+3 minute saw Garcia’s decisive strike after a swift breakaway, and in the final minutes, Zepa’s effort was thwarted by Bishop’s reflexes, denying the youngster a dream debut goal. Commentary from Sky Sports’ Ron Walker summed up the performance: "Alvaro Arbeloa could not have asked for a better showing, especially after rotating ten players. Fulham moved through the round with ease, showcasing several promising individual displays and, crucially, staying injury‑free.
Muniz’s return to the scoresheet, even if his long‑term future may lie elsewhere, provides a valuable backup to Gonzalo Garcia, who is already brimming with confidence after his own strike. The standout for many fans, however, was Zepa. Against modest opposition, he displayed directness, vigor, and composure from his first touch to his last, only missing a goal by a narrow margin – and that was purely a matter of chance, not effort." The victory not only secured Fulham’s progression to the next round but also offered a glimpse into the depth of the squad.
Arbeloa’s willingness to rotate heavily and still produce a winning performance suggests a healthy competition for places and a robust tactical framework. The match also highlighted the potential of younger players like Zepa, who, despite not scoring, demonstrated the attributes required for top‑flight football: speed, intelligent positioning, and the ability to deliver quality service from the wing. Looking ahead, Fulham will aim to maintain this momentum as they prepare for a tougher encounter with West Ham United.
The confidence gained from breaking a goal drought, combined with the attacking versatility shown by Muniz, Garcia, and the emerging Zepa, could prove decisive in the upcoming fixtures. For the supporters, the night at Craven Cottage offered a blend of nostalgic celebration for a returning scorer and excitement for the future prospects of a promising new talent. The club’s strategic signings and effective squad rotation appear to be paying dividends, setting a solid foundation for the remainder of the season.