Arsenal Overcome Fulham to Extend Lead at the Top
Leandro Trossard’s decisive second-half goal sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win for Arsenal over a determined Fulham side at Craven Cottage, pushing Mikel Arteta’s team three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The Gunners entered the fixture on a four-match winning streak and took full advantage of Manchester City’s earlier victory over Everton to restore their lead at the summit. Liverpool, currently four points adrift, host Manchester United on Sunday in a crucial clash for the chasing pack.
Arsenal Without Odegaard, Eze Steps In
With Martin Ødegaard sidelined through injury, Mikel Arteta turned to Eberechi Eze, his high-profile summer signing, to lead the creative charge in midfield. Despite the change, Arsenal looked disjointed early on as Fulham applied pressure and created the better first-half chances.
Harry Wilson tested David Raya with a stinging effort, while teenage forward Josh King — one of the breakout stars of Fulham’s season — forced another fine save after weaving past defenders and unleashing a powerful strike.
Calafiori’s Disallowed Goal and Arsenal’s Growing Control
Arsenal began to find their rhythm midway through the first half, with Riccardo Calafiori finishing off a superb team move — only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.
The Gunners increased their tempo after the break, controlling possession and pressing Fulham deep into their own half. Their persistence finally paid off in the 58th minute.
Trossard Strikes as Arsenal’s Set-Piece Mastery Delivers Again
From a Bukayo Saka corner, centre-back Gabriel Magalhães flicked the ball on, allowing Leandro Trossard to tap home from close range at the back post. It was a classic Arsenal set-piece routine — one they have perfected under Arteta’s guidance.
The Belgian’s strike marked Arsenal’s eighth goal from a set-piece this season, seven of which have come directly from corners. Since the start of the 2021-22 campaign, the Gunners have scored 63 goals from corners, more than any other Premier League side.
Saka thought he had won a penalty moments later when he was brought down in the box, but VAR overturned the referee’s decision, denying Arsenal the chance to double their lead.
Arsenal’s Evolution: Depth, Resilience, and Tactical Precision
This latest victory highlighted Arsenal’s growing maturity and tactical depth. Unlike previous seasons when they faltered at Craven Cottage — with a loss and a draw in their past two visits — Arteta’s side showed composure and adaptability.
The summer’s eight new arrivals, including Eze, Calafiori, and Raya, have given Arsenal the flexibility to cope with injuries and tactical changes. Arteta’s focus on maximizing set-piece opportunities has turned what was once a weakness into a vital weapon in their title pursuit.
“We need to optimise our set-pieces and find ways to create more chances in tight games,” Arteta said post-match. “The team showed patience and quality — that’s what champions do.”
The Gunners are now unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions, positioning themselves strongly in what is shaping up to be another thrilling Premier League title race.
Fulham Take Positives Despite Defeat
Though disappointed by the result, Marco Silva will take heart from his side’s spirited display. The Cottagers were compact, aggressive, and tested Arsenal’s back line repeatedly in the first half.
Eighteen-year-old Josh King once again stood out, combining youthful energy with impressive maturity. Fresh from his England Under-21 debut, King troubled Arsenal with his pace and direct dribbling.
Silva praised his young forward despite the defeat:
“Josh has been outstanding for us. His mentality, work rate, and willingness to take responsibility at this level are remarkable.”
Player Ratings and Standout Performers
- Player of the Match: Bukayo Saka – 7.79 rating
- Top Performers: Trossard, Gabriel, Raya
- Fulham Highlights: Josh King (6.13), Harry Wilson (6.33)
While Saka earned top marks for his creativity and energy, Trossard’s clinical finish ultimately made the difference in a game that tested Arsenal’s patience and persistence.
What’s Next for Arsenal and Fulham
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to their next Premier League encounter as they look to maintain momentum and widen the gap at the top. Arteta’s side have successfully navigated a difficult opening run, and confidence within the camp is growing with each win.
For Fulham, the performance — especially from King and Wilson — will offer encouragement as they continue to build stability in mid-table. Their ability to press and counter effectively suggests better results lie ahead.
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