'They are different strikers but we need both' - Arbeloa on Muniz and Gonzalo

Rodrigo Muniz ended a goal drought of over a year to help Fulham beat AFC Wimbledon 3-0 on Thursday and set up a Carabao Cup third-round tie against London rivals West Ham.

Muniz’s strike was his first since the opening day of the 2025-26 season, which was marred by a significant hamstring injury.

New striker Gonzalo Garcia also netted as a substitute and Cottagers’ manager Alvaro Arbeloa was full of praise for the pair.

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

“We have very good strikers with him and Gonzalo. They are different strikers but we need both. Gonzalo always wants to score goals and help the team. I really love that ambition, that character, that winning mentality.

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

Fulham made 10 changes from Monday’s Premier League defeat by Chelsea but they were still too much for their League One opponents, earning their first win under their new Spanish boss.

Arbeloa added: “We know that during the season you will need all your players. There are injuries and problems, so all your players become very important.

“You need players from the bench when the games are complicated, and you need that energy or different qualities.

“AFor me, as a manager, it’s very important to have 20 players. They need to feel that they are important and I think they are doing a good job.”