Fulham vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Jimenez 11’; Saliba 52’

Arsenal’s hopes of closing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool took a hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Despite dominating for large spells, the Gunners needed a second-half equaliser from William Saliba to rescue a point in this tightly contested London derby.

Early Setback for Arsenal Despite Bright Start

Arsenal started on the front foot, immediately capitalizing on their set-piece prowess. Just three minutes in, Declan Rice’s corner found William Saliba in the six-yard box, but the defender’s glancing header went wide.

Fulham made the most of Arsenal’s missed opportunities when Raúl Jiménez fired the hosts into the lead in the 11th minute. The Mexican latched onto a through ball and drilled a low strike into the far bottom corner, leaving David Raya with no chance.

Unfazed by the setback, Arsenal piled on the pressure. Declan Rice came close to leveling with a half-volley after a brilliant pass from Leandro Trossard, while Bukayo Saka tested Bernd Leno with a right-footed strike.

However, the visitors couldn’t find a way through, heading into the break trailing despite dominating possession and chances.

Saliba Strikes to Rescue Arsenal

Arsenal came out for the second half with renewed purpose and found the equaliser just eight minutes after the restart.

Another precise Declan Rice corner proved decisive, with Kai Havertz cushioning a header into the path of Saliba, who tapped in from close range for his second goal in as many games.

The equaliser sparked further Arsenal pressure. Leandro Trossard cut inside to force a smart save from Leno, while Thomas Partey squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead, heading wide from just a few yards out after another Rice delivery.

Fulham’s Counterattacks Keep Arsenal Honest

While Arsenal pushed for a winner, Fulham reminded them of the dangers on the counter. Andreas Pereira fired a warning shot, but David Raya stuck out a leg to make a crucial save at the near post.

The visitors continued to press in the closing stages, with Rice testing Leno from range and Saka heading home a Gabriel Martinelli cross late on, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Despite Arsenal’s relentless pressure, Fulham’s defense held firm to secure a valuable point, frustrating the Gunners and their hopes of closing the gap to Liverpool.

Conclusion: Arsenal Fall Short in London Derby

While Arsenal extended their scoring streak in London derbies to 18 matches, they will rue missed opportunities to claim all three points at Craven Cottage.

The draw leaves Mikel Arteta’s side further behind Liverpool, who had their match postponed, while Fulham can take pride in a hard-earned point against one of the league’s top sides.

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Fulham v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League