Alex Iwobi moved above Mohamed Salah to become the second-most capped African player in Premier League history after being named in Fulham's starting line-up against Aston Villa on Saturday. His total of 329 appearances leaves him 25 short of Kolo Toure's mark of 353.
Appearance record changes
Iwobi had drawn level with Salah on 328 appearances against Coventry City. His inclusion against Aston Villa took his tally to 329 appearances.
Gap to the top mark
Iwobi is 25 appearances away from surpassing Kolo Toure's mark of 353 appearances.
Flashscore's additional milestone
Flashscore said Iwobi became only the fifth player to register at least 100 appearances for three different clubs in September 2026. Flashscore said the other players in that group are Gary Speed, Rory Delap, Gareth Barry and James Milner.
Arbeloa on Aston Villa
Fulham were coming off a League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa told the club website: "Beat Aston Villa."
Arbeloa said: "They are a very tough team, they beat Man City (last weekend), and we know how difficult it is to beat a team like Man City."
Arbeloa said: "They are playing away in Barcelona in four days, so they are a Champions League team."
Arbeloa said: "For us, it's a new challenge to beat a team like Aston Villa, and that is important for us to prove that we can beat anyone."
Arbeloa said: "So, yes, I think we will go there and we will give our best, thinking we can beat any team."
