Arsenal FC have missed the chance to go top of the table for the last time in the 2023 calendar year. The Gunners suffered a not undeserved 2-1 defeat at Fulham FC
Arsenal went into the final game of the calendar year with the mission of going top of the table. It was to remain a pipe dream. The Gunners went without a win for the third time in a row (for the first time since April) and even lost for the second time in a row – they recently lost 2-0 at home to West Ham. The next London derby had started so promisingly for the visitors.
After Ödegaard’s fluffed shot (3rd), Saka was in the right place in the fifth minute: Leno just managed to parry Gabriel Martinelli’s shot, but the England international had the right instinct and pushed the ball over the line to take the lead. It was Saka’s tenth goal in a London derby – only a certain Harry Kane had scored more before his 23rd birthday (15).
Unnecessarily, however, Arsenal stopped playing, retreated and found themselves increasingly under pressure. First Jimenez fired too centrally at goal (14th), then former Arsenal player Willian flicked the ball wide right (19th). But it happened shortly before the 30th minute began: After the visitors lost possession, Fulham countered at lightning speed, Cairney timed the cross perfectly – and Jimenez fired in with a powerful shot (29).
It was no coincidence: the Mexican has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances – as many as in his previous 50 PL games combined. Arsenal only made another dangerous appearance in front of Leno shortly before the break, but Gabriel Martinelli stroked the ball just wide of the goal (42′).
Anyone expecting Arsenal to show a different face after the break was disappointed. Instead, Fulham turned the tables completely: After a corner, Joao Palhinha headed the ball sharply, Gabriel shot wildly at Tomiyasu – and de Cordova-Reid fired in from close range (59′).
Saka too hasty – Pereira only hits the crossbar
Saka’s immediate reply stuck in his throat: after a misunderstanding in the Fulham backline, the Englishman finished too hastily (63′). Arsenal struggled in vain in the pouring rain and wind in London. Joao Palhinha prevented a good chance for Saka with an almost heroic save (81′).
In the end, Arsenal were lucky that Fulham did not add to their tally: Pereira thundered a free-kick just outside the six-yard box onto the crossbar (88′).
Arsenal now have until January 7 to regroup. Then the next cracker awaits in the FA Cup – a home game against Liverpool, who will take the lead in the table into the new year. Fulham, who have consolidated 14th place, play at home to Championship bottom club Rotherham United in the same competition next Friday (8.30pm).
