Arbeloa: Fulham need both Garcia and Muniz this season

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa insisted both Gonzalo Garcia and Rodrigo Muniz will be “very important” for the club this season.

Both strikers scored for the Cottagers as they defeated AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup, with Emile Smith Rowe also on target for the Premier League side.

Muniz scored a towering header towards the end of the first half, while Garcia netted in second-half stoppage time as he rounded the goalkeeper before finishing from a tight angle.

Garcia has scored his second goal in as many games after also netting in Fulham’s Premier League opener against Chelsea, which ended in a 3-2 defeat.

Muniz, meanwhile, has already equalled his tally of one from 2025-26, during which he missed large spells through injury.

Arbeloa believes both strikers will be pivotal for Fulham this term as they offer different qualities while leading the line.

“Goals are very important for strikers, we know that, and Rodrigo is working hard,” said Arbeloa.

Money Muniz with his first of the season!  pic.twitter.com/xQ8tMfe2PF

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 28, 2026

“We have very good strikers with him and with Gonzalo – different strikers, but we need both, and both will be very important for us.

“They both scored and they are so happy in the dressing room.”

It was a routine win over Wimbledon for Fulham, who produced 2.89 expected goals (xG) after racking up 29 shots, eight of which were on target.

Fulham have progressed from 15 of their last 17 EFL Cup ties against sides from League One or lower, while they have progressed from five of their last six second-round ties in the competition.

The Cottagers will face London rivals West Ham in the third round, with the Championship side thrashing Southampton 4-1 earlier in the week.

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