‘Say no more’ – Alex Iwobi reveals Álvaro Arbeloa’s penalty call after Fulham heroics

Alex Iwobi has revealed that Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa handed him the responsibility of taking the penalty during the club’s final pre-season game in Portugal, a decision that helped the Cottagers complete their training camp with a 2-1 win over Farense.

Fulham had fallen behind in the first half before Iwobi was given the opportunity to bring his side level after Emile Smith Rowe was brought down inside the penalty area.

Despite admitting that penalties have not traditionally been part of his responsibilities, the Nigeria international showed composure from 12 yards, sending the ball into the corner and giving the Farense goalkeeper no chance.

The spot-kick could prove significant for Fulham as Arbeloa considers his options for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The club need a new designated penalty taker following the return of Raúl Jiménez to Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer. The Mexico international had established himself as a highly reliable option from the spot, setting a Premier League record by converting all 14 penalties he took for Wolves and Fulham.

With that responsibility now up for grabs, Iwobi has emerged as one player capable of taking on the role, particularly after successfully converting against Farense.

‘Say no more’ – Iwobi recalls the moment

Iwobi said the penalty came as a surprise because he has never regarded himself as a regular penalty taker, although he believes his ability from the spot has improved.

“Summer was good. I have already been on pre-season with Fulham in Portugal, and that was good. We got one win and one draw,” Iwobi said on the Alexander Yaa Digg podcast.

“I was able to get one assist and one goal. I have never really been a penalty taker, but I’d like to say my conversion rate with penalties has improved.”

The 29-year-old then recalled Arbeloa’s instruction, explaining that the Fulham boss made the decision for him rather than allowing him to deliberate over the opportunity.

“The gaffer said, ‘Alex, Alex, take the pen’ and I was like, ‘Say no more’, and slotted it in.”

The confidence shown by Iwobi from the spot will provide Arbeloa with another option as Fulham prepare for the new season.

A new penalty hierarchy

Iwobi’s successful conversion also represents a notable development in his individual record.

The midfielder has never scored a penalty in the Premier League, with all 35 of his goals in the competition coming from open play.

His latest effort against Farense therefore marked an unusual addition to his goalscoring repertoire and could potentially strengthen his case if Fulham are looking for a replacement for Jiménez.

Iwobi’s versatility has already made him an important part of Fulham’s squad, and his ability to contribute in different areas could become even more valuable if he takes on set-piece duties.

For Arbeloa, the pre-season fixture offered more than a final opportunity to fine-tune his squad before competitive action. It also provided an early indication that Iwobi could be trusted when Fulham next win a penalty.

The Nigerian’s response to the manager’s call was immediate, and his composed finish suggests he is ready to embrace the responsibility if Arbeloa decides to make him one of Fulham’s leading penalty options.