Title challengers Arsenal was hit with a huge shock this weekend after dropping points away to Fulham in a crucial game. After Manchester City dropped points the day before to Crystal Palace and Liverpool’s game was called off against Everton there was a clear chance to move further away from City as well as closing the gap on Liverpool and finally putting Arne Slot’s men under pressure.
The game got off to a quick start for the Cottagers, Tete played an inch perfect pass through to Raul Jimenez that was too good for Kiwior to intercept which left the Mexican one on one with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, despite Saliba swiftly making his was across the box to attempt to stop the striker, it was clinically placed into the bottom left corner to give Fulham an early one goal lead. Arsenal then began to apply the pressure to get themselves back into the game with Declan Rice having a great opportunity to get his team on levels terms, however he dragged his shot wide with his weaker left foot and was clearly disappointed with his attempt knowing he could do better. The pressure continued to come Fulham’s way with Bukayo Saka forcing a great save from the ex-Arsenal shot stopper Bernd Leno with the game slowly becoming more and more frustrating for the North London Side.
The second half was off to a very quick start too but this time for the Gunners. Once again William Saliba got onto the end of Kai Havertz’s header across the box from a corner to bring his team level and shift the momentum of the game their way. The game was then in Arsenal’s hands with them dominating the possession and controlling the game, they kept pushing but the resilient Fulham defense was not budging with Arteta’s men growing more and more frustrated. The game then took a dramatic turn with Saka heading in at the back post in the 89th minute to what looked like win the game for the Gunners, despite all the celebrations VAR decided to break Arsenal fans hearts by ruling the goal out for offside and keeping the game all square. Despite their best efforts the Fulham defense could not be broken in the remaining minutes with the game finishing 1-1 and the points being shared between the two London teams.
Arsenal’s poor form against the Cottagers continues with no wins in their last three Premiere League games against them, the Gunners remain in London midweek with a huge Champions League game against Monaco which is a must win for them. With injuries such as Gabriel and Calafori back imminently there will be a huge confidence boost both defensively and going forward.