Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa was pleased to overcome a potential banana skin in AFC Wimbledon on Thursday night.
The Dons took a while to breach, but goals late in the first half from Emile Smith Rowe and Rodrigo Muniz, along with Gonzalo García’s cool stoppage time finish, booked our spot in the next round of the Carabao Cup.
“It wasn’t an easy game,” he said. “It’s not easy when I make many, many changes. Just Oscar from the 11 starters the other day, so it’s not easy, but I think my players did a good job.
“We did a serious game, with effort, we moved the ball really well, we kept the possession, we tried to attack, to score goals.
“We controlled very well the counter attacks of Wimbledon so I’m happy with the performance of my team, my players, with their attitude, their energy.
“Of course, we have a lot of things we have to work on and improve but, like I said the other day, it’s going to be a long journey, and we are on our way.”
Muniz took his goal very well, and Arbeloa was naturally pleased to see both him, and his replacement Gonzalo, find the net.
“Goals are very important for strikers, we know that, and Rodrigo is working hard. 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 tonight and they are so happy in the dressing room.”